It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving in our home without my family’s favorite rice dish. Zereshk Polo or Saffron Rice with Candied Barberries, Slivered Almonds & Pistachios is a dish for all seasons and one my favorites to cook when entertaining. Although, this traditional dish is served with roasted chicken, it also pairs excellently with turkey.

Did you know that Iran is the largest producer of Zereshk or dried barberries? Barberries or the fruit from Berberis shrubs are generally red, but vary from coral to deep crimson, and they are tangy, tangy, tangy. In this dish their tart flavor is subdued by sautéing them in sugar, butter, and saffron.

You’ll love the bursts of sweet and tangy flavors in your mouth with the creamy rice grains, and the crunchy toasted almonds and pistachios – love at first bite!

Zereshk Polo: Saffron Rice with Candied Barberries, Slivered Almonds & Pistachios

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