Zereshk Polow (Iranian Chicken and Rice with Barberries) Recipe
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron
- Milk for soaking the saffron
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 egg
- 2 ounces barberries
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Soak 2 cups basmati rice in cold salted water for several hours.
- Season 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- In a large frying pan, fry 2 thinly sliced onions in 1 tablespoon butter until lightly colored.
- Remove onions from pan and reserve.
- Add 1 more tablespoon butter and sprinkle the chicken with 1 teaspoon turmeric.
- Brown the chicken gently on both sides.
- Add 1 cup water and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the liquid is syrupy.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and cool, separately reserving the cooking liquid and onions.
- Soak 1/2 teaspoon saffron in a little milk until brightly colored, then whisk in 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 egg, and the chicken meat.
- Set aside.
- Wash 2 ounces barberries well, drain, and cook in a small pan with 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon sugar for several minutes, stirring, or until plump.
- Drain the soaked rice and rinse under cold water.
- Bring 6 cups salted water to a boil, add the rice, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Brush a large casserole with 2 tablespoons butter and spread in half the rice.
- Arrange the chicken mixture over the rice.
- Combine the barberry mixture with the remaining rice and spread over the chicken.
- Spoon the reserved onions with liquid over the rice.
- Cover tightly and bake for 1 hour, or until the rice is fluffy.
- Remove from oven.
- Rest the casserole for 15 minutes before serving.
basmati rice, chicken, onions, butter, turmeric, saffron, milk, plain yogurt, egg, barberries, sugar
Taken from www.chowhound.com/recipes/zereshk-polow-iranian-chicken-and-rice-with-barberries-10491 (may not work)