Zereshk Polo ba Morgh (Persian Saffron-Tomato Braised Chicken with Ruby Barberry Rice) – Authentic Iran Recipe

Ingredients for Zereshk Polo ba Morgh (Persian Saffron-Tomato Braised Chicken with Ruby Barberry Rice) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) golden braised chicken thighs in saffron-tomato onion sauce, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups fluffy basmati rice, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup tart red barberries (zereshk) and pistachios
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with pure saffron threads
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Iran seasoning (rosewater touch, turmeric, cinnamon, butter)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat; sauté the onion, garlic, and pure saffron threads until golden.
2. Add rosewater touch, turmeric, cinnamon, butter along with golden braised chicken thighs in saffron-tomato onion sauce and fluffy basmati rice, searing for 4–5 minutes to build savory depth.
3. Stir in the rinsed grains/rice so every grain is coated in the spiced oil, then pour in warm stock.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and tender.
5. Rest off the heat for 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork, and garnish with tart red barberries (zereshk) and pistachios.