zereshk polo ba morgh is Another one of the most thoroughbred Iranian foods.
Polo morgh or makiyan polo are other names of this traditional food.Zereshk polo ba morgh is prepared from combination of fried chicken with barberry and saffron and persian rice.Since ancient times in Iran,this food has been used in weddings and mourning ceremonies.This dish, along with tahchin morgh,is one of the most elegant and beautiful traditional foods of Iranians.
Salad shirazi and yogurt are served with zereshk polow.Pistachio and almond slices are used to decorate the food.
The history of zereshk polo ba morgh dates back to the Safavid era.We can see traces of this food in the cooking books of the Safavid era.It is true that this food is not a very old food,but it has a very special place in Iranian dining tables.
Barberry is an evergreen tree with broad leaves that has oval red fruits.Barberry has been known for medicinal purposes for more than 200 years.It is a detoxifying herb that contains excellent medicinal and sedative properties and helps fight several ailments.
Properties of barberry:
For: 4 people
Prepration: 20 minute
Cook for: 90 minute
1. To prepare zereshk polo ba morgh we first put the chicken meat with two cups of water,some turmeric and cinnamon powder and an onion into a stock pot,then we put the pot on medium heat until the chicken is boiled (for 1 to 1hour and 30 minutes).
2. In order to make the chicken taste better,it is better to let all the water in the pot drain,this will make the flavor of all the spices absorb into the chicken meat.when the meat boiled put it away.
3. Soak almond slices in some water for an hour then drain in a colander.
4. Now,depending on its type,we soak the rice for 1 hour to 3 hours along with 1tsp of salt and lukewarm water.Then we put a suitable pot on the heat and fill it halfway with water and let the water boil.
5. After the water boils,add ½ tsp salt to the pot then we add the soaked rice to the boiling water and let it simmer for 7 to 14 minutes.
6. When the rice grains become a little soft,but their kernels of rice are yet hard and stuck under the teeth,we should rinse the rice.After draining the rice we put it away.
7. Siute half of the barberry with half of the sugar in a pan containing hot oil or melted butter.
8.Pour a layer of rice in a pot containing some hot oil,then pour some barberry on it.In the same way,put the barberry on top of the rice and cover it with rice.Make a few holes in it with the handle of the drainig spoon (this will make the rice steam rise easily and brew better).Put the lid on the pot,increase the heat until the rice steam rises.
9. Heat the butter with 3tbs of liquid oil on low heat.When the rice steam rises, pour it on the rice.
10. Pour the almond slices in one corner of the rice and pour the saffron in another corner of the rice.Put the lid on the pot and reduce the heat to let the rice brew for 30 minutes.
11.Saute the rest of the barberry with the rest of the sugar in a pan containing some hot oil or butter.saute the pistachio slices in another pan.
12.In a pan containing hot oil,fry the chicken (boiled before) in oil until golden brown.When the rice is cooked,mix the saffron rice with sliced almonds and pour it along with the rest of the sauted barberry,pistachio slices and chicken on the rice and serve.Zereshk polo ba morgh is ready.
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