Description
Shirin Polo is a classic Persian rice dish known for its delicate balance of sweet and savory flavors. Made with fragrant basmati rice, orange peel, carrots, nuts, and aromatic spices, it’s often served at weddings and special occasions. This colorful dish is commonly paired with chicken (shirin polo ba morgh) and is sometimes compared to zereshk polo due to its sweet-tangy elements.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for 4–6 servings):
For the Rice:
2 cups basmati rice
6 cups water
2 tablespoons salt
For the Sweet Mix:
1 cup carrots, julienned
½ cup orange peel, thinly sliced (or candied orange peel)
½ cup slivered almonds
¼ cup pistachios, slivered
⅓ cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons rose water
1 teaspoon ground saffron (bloomed in 2 tablespoons hot water)
For the Chicken (optional – shirin polo with chicken):
4 chicken thighs or breasts
1 onion, sliced
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
For Garnish:
2 tablespoons barberries (optional, for a zereshk polo twist)
Extra pistachios and almonds
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Rinse basmati rice until water runs clear. Soak in salted water for 30 minutes.
Bring 6 cups water to a boil, add salt, and cook rice until slightly tender (about 6–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Sweet Mixture
In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add carrots and sauté until slightly softened.
Add orange peel, sugar, almonds, and pistachios. Stir gently.
Pour in rose water and saffron water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until fragrant and slightly caramelized. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook Chicken (optional)
Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions until golden. Add chicken, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
Pour in water or broth, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Layer and Steam Rice
In a large pot, add a little oil and optionally place flatbread or potato slices for tahdig.
Layer rice and sweet mixture alternately, finishing with rice on top.
Cover the lid with a towel and steam on low heat for 30–40 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Gently mix portions of the rice to distribute colors. Serve on a platter topped with sweet mixture and nuts.
Add chicken on the side or on top for shirin polo ba morgh. Garnish with barberries if desired.
Notes
- Balance Flavor: Adjust sugar depending on how sweet you prefer your shirin polo rice.
- Orange Peel Tip: Boil fresh orange peel 2–3 times to remove bitterness before using.
- Serving Idea: Pair with yogurt or a simple cucumber salad for contrast.
- Variation: Add barberries to create a flavor similar to zereshk polo.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Rice
- Method: Boiled / Steamed
- Cuisine: Persian / Iranian