Recipe · Serves 4

Zereshk Polo with Chicken

Our Zereshk Polo recipe: saffron rice with barberries and juicy chicken. The tangy red berries make it a true Persian feast.

Zereshk Polo – saffron rice with barberries and chicken

Ingredients for Zereshk Polo (serves 4)

For the chicken

  • Chicken thighs or breasts: 4 pieces
  • Onions: 2 medium (sliced)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves (finely chopped)
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Turmeric: 1 tsp
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Oil: as needed
  • Water: about 2 cups

For the rice

  • Basmati rice: 2 cups
  • Barberries (zereshk): 1 cup (well rinsed)
  • Saffron: 1/4 tsp (soaked in 2 tbsp hot water)
  • Sugar: 1 tbsp
  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: to taste

Key tips

  • First of all, don't fry the barberries for too long, or they will turn bitter.
  • For a brighter colour, drizzle a little saffron water over the rice.
  • If you like, you can also finish the chicken with fresh tomatoes or lemon juice.

Step-by-step method

  1. Prepare the chicken

    First, heat a little oil in a large pan and fry the onions until golden. Then add the garlic and fry briefly. Next, add the chicken, sprinkle with turmeric and brown on both sides. After that, stir in the tomato paste and toast it for a deeper flavour. Season with salt and pepper and pour in 2 cups of water. Finally, cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes until tender.

  2. Prepare the rice

    Rinse the rice several times until the water runs clear. Then soak it in salted water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook the rice for 7–10 minutes until almost done, then drain it. For a crisp crust (tahdig), add a little oil or butter to the empty pot. Next, put the rice back, cover the pot with a towel and put the lid on. Finally, steam the rice on low heat for 30–40 minutes.

  3. Prepare the barberries

    Fry the rinsed barberries with 1 tbsp butter and the sugar on low heat. Stir all the time so they don't burn. At the end, mix in the saffron.

  4. Plate up

    Spoon the rice onto a large platter and top with the barberries. Then serve the juicy chicken on the side.

Serving suggestion

Zereshk Polo goes well with fresh vegetables, cucumber yoghurt or Shirazi salad. In short, it is a feast for the eyes. It is perfect for special days and big family meals!