زرشک پلو با مرغ

Name: زرشک پلو با مرغ
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Iranian/Persian
Ingredients: 3 cups basmati rice, soaked 2 hours; 8 chicken thighs, bone-in skinless; 1 cup dried barberries (zereshk); 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 tsp saffron threads, bloomed in 3 tbsp hot water; 3 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp turmeric; Salt and pepper; 2 tbsp sugar

زرشک پلو با مرغ (zeh-RESHK po-LOW bah MORGH)

Barberry Rice with Chicken

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 562 kcal

Fragrant saffron-steamed basmati rice studded with jewel-like tart barberries, served over tender braised chicken thighs glazed with saffron and butter.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 35.0g

Carbs 65.0g

Fat 18.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large non-stick pot with lid skillet mixing bowl

Presentation Guide

Vessel: large oval platter

Garnishes: barberries, slivered almonds, saffron

Accompaniments: shirazi salad, mast-o-khiar

Ingredients

3 cups basmati rice, soaked 2 hours
8 chicken thighs, bone-in skinless
1 cup dried barberries (zereshk)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp saffron threads, bloomed in 3 tbsp hot water
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp turmeric
Salt and pepper
2 tbsp sugar

Instructions

1
Parboil rice in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 6 min. Drain.
2
Season chicken with turmeric, salt, pepper. Brown in oil and braise with sliced onion until cooked through, about 35 min.
3
Rinse barberries, sauté briefly in 1 tbsp butter with sugar until plump. Set aside.
4
Layer rice in pot with saffron water and remaining butter. Cover tightly, steam on low 45 min for crispy tahdig.
5
Serve rice topped with barberries, chicken alongside, drizzled with saffron butter from the pot.

💡

Did You Know?

Zereshk polo ba morgh is the most served dish at Iranian weddings — no celebration is complete without its golden saffron glow.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large non-stick pot with lid
skillet
mixing bowl

Garnishing

barberries, slivered almonds, saffron

Accompaniments

shirazi salad, mast-o-khiar

The Story Behind زرشک پلو با مرغ

This dish epitomizes the Safavid-era Persian love of jewel-toned ingredients and aromatic rice pilafs. Barberries, native to the Iranian plateau, provide a signature tartness that balances the richness of saffron butter. The combination of sweet, sour, and savory on one plate reflects the Persian culinary philosophy of flavor harmony.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed friday family lunch, weddings, celebrations 📜 Origins: Safavid dynasty era

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