Where can I find barberries (zereshk), and is there a substitute?

Barberries can be found at Middle Eastern or international grocery stores, or online. If you can't find them, you can substitute with dried cranberries or sour cherries, although the flavor will be slightly different.

What's the best way to 'bloom' saffron?

To bloom saffron, crush the threads into a fine powder and steep them in hot (not boiling) water for at least 10-15 minutes. This process releases the saffron's vibrant color, aroma, and flavor.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of bone-in chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but be sure to reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out. Searing them first and then simmering in the sauce for a shorter period is recommended.

How do I achieve a crispy bottom layer of rice (tahdig)?

To get a good tahdig, make sure the bottom of the pot is well-oiled before adding the partially cooked rice back in. Cook the rice on low heat without stirring to allow the bottom layer to get golden brown and crispy.

Zereshk Polo Morgh: Persian Barberry Rice with Saffron Chicken

Name: Zereshk Polo Morgh: Persian Barberry Rice with Saffron Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: For the Saffron Bloom:; 1/2 tsp Param Kesar® saffron threads; 2 tbsp hot water; For the Chicken:; 6 pieces chicken (thighs or drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on or off); 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp turmeric powder; 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil or ghee; 1 cup chicken broth or water; For the Rice:; 2 cups long-grain basmati rice; 4 cups water; 2 tbsp salt; For the Barberries (Zereshk):; 1 cup dried barberries, rinsed and drained; 2 tbsp butter or ghee; 1-2 tbsp granulated sugar (to taste); 1 tbsp reserved saffron bloom

A treasured Persian recipe for Zereshk Polo Morgh, featuring fluffy saffron rice, tangy barberries, and succulent chicken. A culinary jewel.

In the heart of every Persian kitchen lies a deep reverence for rice, and no dish showcases this better than the magnificent Zereshk Polo Morgh. It is a celebration on a platter, a breathtaking tapestry of colour, texture, and flavour. The dish is a culinary poem, where fluffy basmati rice is steamed to perfection, then jeweled with glistening scarlet barberries (zereshk) that have been gently pan-fried with a touch of sugar to balance their natural tartness. The soul of the dish, however, is the saffron. It imparts a glorious golden hue and an unmistakable, luxurious aroma that scents the entire kitchen. We steep high-quality saffron threads, like those from Param Kesar®, to create a fragrant 'saffron bloom'. This golden liquid is then used to anoint both the rice and the tender chicken, infusing them with its signature, earthy-sweet flavour. The contrast of the tangy barberries against the fragrant, saffron-kissed rice and savoury chicken is what makes Zereshk Polo a true masterpiece of Persian cuisine. Often served at weddings, holidays, and special gatherings, this dish is more than just a meal; it's an expression of hospitality and love. Each spoonful offers a perfect bite—the soft rice, the tangy pop of a barberry, the succulent, saffron-scented chicken. It is a dish that invites you to slow down, to savour, and to share in a tradition that has been cherished for centuries.