Saffron and Barberry Rice

Fragrant Persian saffron rice with tart barberries and toasted almonds.

A classic Persian dish combining fragrant saffron rice with tart barberries and toasted almonds. Traditionally served alongside roasted chicken or lamb, this dish balances sweet, sour and savory notes in every bite.

Ingredients#

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup dried barberries
  • 1/4 tsp saffron threads
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • Salt to taste

Method#

  1. Soak rice for 30 minutes, then parboil until just tender.
  2. Bloom saffron in 2 tbsp hot water.
  3. Layer rice with butter and saffron water in a pot, steam for 25 minutes.
  4. Sauté barberries and almonds briefly in butter.
  5. Fold through rice before serving.

Mohsen Khorrami

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