Persian Rice with Saffron and Orange (Zereshk Polo-e Porteghal)

Zereshk Polo-e Porteghal, also known as Persian Rice with Saffron and Orange, is a delightful and aromatic dish that is a staple in Iranian cuisine. The combination of tangy barberries, fragrant saffron, and citrusy orange zest makes this dish a flavorful and colorful addition to any meal.

Vegan Gluten Free Main Course Iranian Persian Cuisine Rice Dish Saffron Orange
Persian Rice with Saffron and Orange (Zereshk Polo-e Porteghal)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground saffron
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup dried barberries (zereshk), rinsed and drained
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the drained rice and cook for 6-7 minutes until the rice is parboiled. Drain the rice.
  3. In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle half of the saffron and cinnamon over the melted butter. Place the parboiled rice back into the pot, forming a pyramid-shaped mound.
  4. Wrap the lid of the pot with a clean kitchen towel and cover the pot tightly. Cook the rice over low heat for 45 minutes to allow the steam to build up and for the rice to fully cook.
  5. In a small pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the rinsed barberries and orange zest. Cook for 5 minutes over low heat.
  6. Once the rice is fully cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Gently mix in the remaining saffron and cinnamon. Top the rice with the barberry and orange mixture.
  7. Serve the Zereshk Polo-e Porteghal hot and enjoy!

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Carbohydrates
45g
Protein
5g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Large pot Kitchen towel Serving platter

Tools

Knife Cutting board Grater Saucepan

Serving suggestions

Serve Zereshk Polo-e Porteghal with grilled chicken or lamb kebabs for a complete Persian feast.

Tips & tricks

To achieve the perfect crispy rice crust, known as tahdig, at the bottom of the pot, sprinkle a layer of barberries at the bottom before adding the parboiled rice.

Cost

$10