Persian Sour Cherry Rice Delight
Persian Sour Cherry Rice Delight is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh sour cherries with the fragrant, fluffy basmati rice often found in Persian cuisine. This recipe creates a visually stunning centerpiece for any dinner table, with layers of rice and succulent sour cherries complemented by the aromatic blend of spices known as advieh. Traditionally enjoyed during special occasions, this dish is sure to impress family and guests alike. If sour cherries are unavailable, feel free to substitute with black cherries for a similar burst of flavor. The nutty crunch of slivered pistachios on top adds an exquisite finishing touch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh sour cherries
5 cups (Pitted)
Sugar
1/3 cup (Granulated)
Basmati rice
3 cups (Cooked (Persian style preferred))
Butter
6 tablespoons (Divided (2 tablespoons for sautéing, 2 tablespoons melted for topping, and 2 tablespoons for initial cooking))
Advieh spice mix
2 tablespoons (Divided (1 tablespoon for sautéing, 1 teaspoon for topping))
Plain nonfat yogurt
2 tablespoons (Stirred)
Saffron
1 pinch (Soaked in a small amount of water for flavor)
Canola oil
1/2 tablespoon (For cooking)
Slivered pistachios
1/2 cup (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by pitting your fresh sour cherries and placing them in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir well, then let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the cherries soften and release their juices.
2
Prepare a bowl underneath a colander to catch the drained cherries. Once cooked, pour the cherries into the colander to separate them from the juices.
3
Return the cherry juice to the saucepan and reduce it over medium-low heat for around 10 minutes until thickened. Set this syrup aside for later use.
4
In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of advieh to the butter and stir for a minute to bring out the aromas.
5
Turn off the heat and add the drained cherries back into the pan, mixing them gently with the spiced butter until well coated.
6
In a large pot, combine the plain nonfat yogurt and saffron, then add 1/2 tablespoon of canola oil along with enough water to just cover the bottom of the pot. This mixture will enhance the flavor of the rice.
7
Begin layering the dish by adding a portion of cooked basmati rice to the pot, followed by half of the cherry mixture. Gently fold the cherries into the rice to distribute evenly without crushing them.
8
Add another layer of cooked rice on top of the cherries, followed by the remaining cherry mixture. Finally, top with the last of the rice.
9
With the back of a spatula, create several holes in the rice to allow steam to circulate, being careful not to reach the bottom layer of rice.
10
Cover the pot and cook on high heat for 10 minutes to create steam. Then, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan.
11
Combine 1 tablespoon of the reserved cherry syrup and 1 teaspoon of advieh into the melted butter, stirring to combine. Pour this mixture evenly over the rice layers.
12
Cover the pot with a towel before placing the lid on top. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and allow to cook for approximately 1 hour.
13
When cooking is complete, carefully fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, garnished with slivered pistachios for a delightful crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Persian Sour Cherry Rice Delight?
It is a vibrant Persian dish that balances the tartness of fresh sour cherries with fragrant, fluffy basmati rice and aromatic spices.
What kind of rice is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 3 cups of cooked basmati rice, preferably prepared in the Persian style.
Can I substitute sour cherries if they are unavailable?
Yes, you can substitute fresh sour cherries with black cherries for a similar burst of flavor.
How do I prepare the cherries for the rice?
Pit the cherries and simmer them with sugar for about 15 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
How much sugar is needed for the cherry mixture?
You will need 1/3 cup of granulated sugar to simmer with the cherries.
What should I do with the cherry juice after simmering?
Drain the juice into a bowl and then reduce it in a saucepan for about 10 minutes until it thickens into a syrup.
What is advieh and how is it used in this dish?
Advieh is an aromatic Persian spice blend; it is used both to sauté the cherries and as part of the final topping for the rice.
How much butter is used in total?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of butter in total, divided for sautéing, the rice topping, and initial cooking.
What is the purpose of adding yogurt and saffron to the pot?
The mixture of plain nonfat yogurt, saffron, and oil at the bottom of the pot enhances the flavor and helps create a delicious base for the rice.
How should the rice and cherries be layered?
Layer the pot by alternating cooked rice with portions of the spiced cherry mixture, ending with a final layer of rice on top.
Why do you need to make holes in the rice with a spatula?
Creating several holes allows steam to circulate through the layers of rice without reaching the very bottom layer.
How long does the rice need to steam initially?
The rice should be cooked on high heat for about 10 minutes to create sufficient steam before reducing the temperature.
What ingredients make up the final rice topping?
The final topping is a mixture of 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of reserved cherry syrup, and 1 teaspoon of advieh.
Why is a towel placed under the pot lid?
The towel absorbs excess moisture and helps the rice steam properly during the final hour of cooking.
How long is the final cooking time for the layered rice?
The dish should cook on medium-low heat for approximately 1 hour.
What garnish is used for this dish?
The dish is garnished with 1/2 cup of slivered pistachios for an exquisite nutty crunch.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this Persian Sour Cherry Rice Delight is a vegetarian dish.
How much canola oil is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of canola oil for the bottom of the pot.
How do I ensure the cherries don't get crushed?
Gently fold the cherry mixture into the rice layers to distribute them evenly without crushing the fruit.
What type of yogurt is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of stirred plain nonfat yogurt.
What is the role of saffron in this dish?
A pinch of saffron is soaked in water and mixed with yogurt to provide a beautiful color and distinct floral aroma.
How many cups of cherries are needed?
You will need 5 cups of fresh, pitted sour cherries.
Can I use frozen cherries?
While the recipe calls for fresh cherries, frozen sour cherries can typically be used as a substitute if fresh ones are unavailable.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
Persian Sour Cherry Rice Delight is best served hot, fluffed gently with a fork.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It features a complex balance of tart fruit, sweet syrup, savory butter, and warm aromatic spices.
What is the total preparation time for the cherry syrup?
The cherries simmer for 15 minutes, and then the juice is reduced for an additional 10 minutes.
How much advieh is used in the cherry sauté?
One tablespoon of the advieh spice mix is stirred into the butter when sautéing the cherries.
What is the first step in preparing the cherries?
The first step is to pit the fresh sour cherries before placing them in a saucepan with sugar.
Can I add other nuts to the garnish?
While pistachios are traditional, you could also add slivered almonds if desired.
When is this dish traditionally served?
This dish is traditionally enjoyed during special occasions and festive dinner gatherings.