Authentic Iranian Food: Cooking Persian Barberry Rice with chicken | Village Life Iran

barberries

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: raisins

Dried cranberries or raisins can mimic the sweetness and tartness of barberries.

saffron

🥗Healthier: turmeric

💰Cheaper: paprika

Turmeric adds color and flavor, while paprika is more affordable.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu offers a plant-based option, while chicken thighs are often less expensive than breasts.

almonds

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts provide a similar texture, while sunflower seeds are budget-friendly.

Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear, then soak for 30 minutes.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides, about 7-10 minutes.

Stir in salt, pepper, and cinnamon, cooking for another 2 minutes.

Add water to cover the chicken, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Remove chicken and set aside, keeping the broth.

In the same pot, add soaked rice and enough broth to cover the rice by an inch.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until rice is fluffy.

While rice cooks, melt butter in a small pan over low heat.

Add barberries and sauté gently until they plump, about 2-3 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently fold in barberries and saffron.

Serve rice topped with chicken and garnished with almonds and pistachios.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens