Persian Saffron Chicken Polo
Transport your taste buds to the heart of Persia with this aromatic Saffron Chicken Polo. Originating from traditional Persian cuisine, this recipe showcases tender chicken pieces simmered with sweet dried apricots, plump raisins, and fragrant spices. Combined with fluffy basmati rice cooked to perfection, this dish not only brings warmth to your dining table but also fills the air with enticing aromas. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this one-pot wonder is sure to impress and delight everyone who tries it.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati Rice
500 g (Rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes)
Onion
1 medium (Finely chopped)
Margarine or Oil
5 tablespoons (Melted)
Roasting Chicken, jointed
1 large (Cut into pieces)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Black Pepper
to taste (N/A)
Raisins
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Dried Apricots
150 g (Chopped)
Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of margarine or oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
2
Add the jointed chicken pieces to the skillet. Brown the chicken evenly on all sides for about 8-10 minutes.
3
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper. Stir in the raisins and chopped dried apricots, allowing them to cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring they are coated in the flavorful fat.
4
Sprinkle the cinnamon over the chicken, then pour enough water into the pan to cover the chicken halfway. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the chicken is very tender and the sauce has reduced, about 30-40 minutes.
5
Once cooked, you may choose to bone the chicken for easier serving.
6
Meanwhile, bring another pot of water to a boil, add the rinsed and soaked basmati rice, and cook until just partially tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the rice and set aside.
7
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of margarine or oil. Spread half of the partially cooked rice in an even layer at the bottom of the pot.
8
Layer the browned chicken pieces on top of the rice, then pour the rich fruity sauce over the chicken.
9
Top with the remaining rice, creating a sealed layer. Cover the pot with a clean kitchen cloth, and place the lid tightly on top to trap steam.
10
Reduce the heat to low and let the rice steam for 20 to 30 minutes. This will ensure perfectly fluffy rice.
11
Once ready, gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing it with the chicken and sauce beneath. Serve warm, allowing everyone to enjoy this delightful medley of flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Persian Saffron Chicken Polo?
Persian Saffron Chicken Polo is a traditional and aromatic dish from Persian cuisine featuring tender chicken simmered with sweet dried apricots, raisins, and cinnamon, layered with fluffy basmati rice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
Basmati rice is the recommended choice for this recipe to achieve the traditional fluffy texture.
How long should I soak the basmati rice?
The basmati rice should be rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes before cooking.
Can I use oil instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use either 5 tablespoons of margarine or an equivalent amount of oil.
What kind of chicken is required?
The recipe calls for one large roasting chicken, jointed into pieces.
How long do I need to sauté the onions?
The finely chopped onion should be sautéed until it reaches a golden brown color.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
The jointed chicken pieces should be browned evenly on all sides for about 8 to 10 minutes.
What dried fruits are included in this recipe?
This dish uses 150 grams of chopped dried apricots and 1 tablespoon of raisins.
When should I add the raisins and apricots?
Add them after browning the chicken and seasoning with salt and pepper, allowing them to cook for 2 minutes to be coated in fat.
How much cinnamon is used in Saffron Chicken Polo?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon sprinkled over the chicken.
How much water is needed to cook the chicken?
You should pour enough water into the pan to cover the chicken pieces halfway.
How long should the chicken simmer?
Cover and simmer the chicken for 30 to 40 minutes until it is very tender and the sauce has reduced.
Should the chicken be served on the bone?
While the chicken is cooked on the bone, you may choose to bone it after simmering for easier serving.
How long should the rice be boiled initially?
The rice should be partially cooked in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes until just tender, then drained.
How do I layer the rice and chicken?
Spread half the partially cooked rice at the bottom of a pot, layer the chicken on top, pour the sauce over it, and cover with the remaining rice.
Why do I need a kitchen cloth during the steaming process?
A clean kitchen cloth is placed under the lid to trap steam effectively, which ensures the rice becomes perfectly fluffy.
What heat setting is used for steaming the rice?
The heat should be reduced to low for the final steaming phase.
How long is the final steaming time?
The rice and chicken should steam together for 20 to 30 minutes.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing it with the chicken and fruity sauce beneath.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its aromatic profile and impressive presentation make it perfect for family gatherings or special events.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients: basmati rice, onion, margarine/oil, chicken, salt, pepper, raisins, dried apricots, and cinnamon.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory and slightly sweet dish with warm aromatic notes from the cinnamon and dried fruits.
Can I use chicken breast instead of a jointed roasting chicken?
While the recipe specifies a jointed roasting chicken for flavor, you can substitute other cuts, though cooking times may vary.
What preparation is needed for the apricots?
The 150 grams of dried apricots should be chopped before being added to the skillet.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is described as a one-pot wonder because the main components are layered and steamed together in a single saucepan.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Persian, chicken, polo, rice, dried fruit, comfort food, and one-pot meal.
How much fat is used to start the rice layering?
The remaining 2 tablespoons of margarine or oil (out of the 5 tablespoons total) are used at the bottom of the pot before adding the rice.
Does this recipe include nutritional information like calories?
No, the current recipe data does not provide specific values for calories, fat, or carbohydrates.
Is the onion chopped finely or coarsely?
The onion should be finely chopped for this recipe.