Discover the rich flavours of barberry rice, a traditional Persian dish known for its vibrant colour and tangy taste. Zereshk Polo, as it’s called in Farsi, combines fluffy basmati rice grains with barberries, nuts, and a variety of spices, creating a delightful sensory experience. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also offers a burst of flavour that enhances any meal, particularly chicken dishes.
What is Zereshk Polo?
Zereshk Polo is a cherished Persian rice dish that masterfully blends the unique tartness of barberries with rice, alongside the subtle sweetness of saffron and other aromatic spices.
This vibrant white rice dish captivates with its striking red berries against a backdrop of yellow rice, enticing with a complex flavour profile. Enhanced by a hint of kosher salt, black pepper, and sautéed onions, each bite is a testament to the meticulous preparation and rich tradition of Persian cuisine.
The vivid colour of the berries, along with the aromatic spices and the ground saffron, creates a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, often served at celebrations. Indeed, Zereshk Polo is more than just a meal; it is a staple in Persian cooking, embodying the elegance and cultural heritage of Persian food. It is ideal for special occasions and a staple for anyone’s cooking arsenal.
What kind of rice should you use?
The foundation of any superb Zereshk Polo dish is basmati rice. Known for its long, slender grains that stay fluffy and separate when cooked, basmati cooked rice is the perfect choice to this Persian-style rice dish.
Using high-quality basmati ensures that each grain perfectly absorbs the flavours of the spices, with barberries and melted butter over rice, maintaining an ideal texture throughout the cooking process. Enhance your dish by soaking the basmati in hot water to elevate its fragrance, then cook rice gently with a pinch of salt and a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Adding finely chopped peppers and giving it a nice stir introduces a subtle heat that complements the tartness of the barberries, enriching the complexity of the dish.
For those looking to refine their cooking method or find out more about making authentic saffron rice, check out our rice recipes for the best basmati rice options and specific tips tailored to Zereshk Polo.
Note : You do not need a rice cooker for this recipe.
The recipe
Zereshk Polo (Persian Barberry Rice Dish)
Step 1
Place the Dainty basmati rice in a mixing bowl and wash in cold water. Swirl the rice around until the water is cloudy, then drain. Repeat until the water is clear.
Step 2
Place a medium pot over medium high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil and diced onion. Reduce to medium and sauté the onion until softened, but not coloured (about 5 minutes). Add the washed rice and stir to combine. Cover with 3 cups of cold water, then add the orange zest and salt. Raise the heat to high and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover with a fitted lid, and cook for 15 minutes.
Step 3
Meanwhile, place the saffron in a small bowl and cover with 1 Tbsp. of warm water. At the same time, place the dried barberries in a bowl and cover with ¼ cup warm water. Set aside until needed.
Step 4
Once the rice is finished cooking, prepare a clean, dry tea towel. Very quickly, without allowing much steam to escape, remove the lid from the pot, drape the tea towel over it, and put the lid back on. This will allow the excess steam to be absorbed by the tea towel, resulting in fluffier basmati rice. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 5
After the rice has rested, remove the lid and tea towel. Drain the barberries and add the rice. Pour in the saffron water and gently stir everything together. Adjust the amount of salt if needed.
Step 6
To serve, pour the rice onto a large serving platter and garnish with the chopped cilantro.
**Barberries can be found in Persian or Middle Eastern grocery stores. Dried currants are a very acceptable substitution.
Optional: This dish pairs well with chicken cooked in any way. In addition, feel free to stir in leftover roasted chicken and frozen peas for a quick, one-bowl meal.
Serving your dish
When presenting Zereshk Polo, every detail counts.
Start with a layer of rice with the fluffy rice mixed with barberries, caramelized onions, and spices on a large platter, aiming to achieve a golden brown texture (called crispy rice Tahdig).
Garnish the rice with barberries and almonds for a burst of texture and common flavours.
Zereshk Polo is more than just a meal; it’s a key ingredient in celebrating Persian culture. Whether for a festive event or a family dinner, this Persian restaurant-style barberry rice dish promises to be a conversation starter and a memorable culinary experience.
