Persian Polo Chicken

Persian Polo Chicken Recipe - Authentic Persian Cuisine

Region / culture: Persia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Persian Polo Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant spices and sweet dried fruits. This dish is a staple in Persian cuisine and is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Persian families and is a traditional dish that is often served during celebrations and holidays. The combination of savory chicken, sweet dried fruits, and fragrant spices creates a unique and flavorful dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

500 g of basmati rice
1 medium-sized onion
5 tbsp of margarine or oil
1 large roasting chicken, jointed
salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp of raisins (or more if desired)
150 g of dried apricots
1 tsp of ground cinnamon

How to prepare

Fry the onion in 3 tbsp of margarine or oil until golden. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add raisins and apricots, and continue to cook for a minute or two longer, turning the fruit in the fat.
Sprinkle with cinnamon, cover with water, and simmer gently, covered, until the chicken is very tender and the sauce is reduced.
Bone the chicken if desired.
Wash and cook the rice, but do not steam it. It should be just partially cooked.
Put 2 tbsp of melted margarine or oil at the bottom of a large heavy saucepan.
Spread half of the partially cooked rice over the melted margarine or oil. Cover with the chicken pieces. Pour the rich fruity sauce over them and cover with the remaining rice.
Cover the pan with a cloth, put the lid on tightly, and steam over a very low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
The cloth will capture the steam rising from the rice and help to make it fluffy.
Serve all mixed together.

Variations

You can add chopped nuts such as almonds or pistachios for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute the dried apricots with dried cherries or cranberries for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken pieces well before adding the raisins and apricots to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Cooking the rice partially before layering it with the chicken and sauce helps to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.

- Steaming the dish over low heat with a cloth covering the pan helps to create fluffy and perfectly cooked rice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Persian Polo Chicken with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include browning the chicken, layering the ingredients in the pan, and steaming the dish over low heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the basmati rice with jasmine rice or long-grain white rice if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and steam the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Persian Polo Chicken pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Persian Polo Chicken contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Persian Polo Chicken contains approximately 45g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Persian Polo Chicken contains approximately 20g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Persian Polo Chicken contains approximately 25g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Persian Polo Chicken is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (raisins) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Persian Polo Chicken is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Persian Polo Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with sweet dried fruits and fragrant spices. This traditional Persian recipe is perfect for special occasions and gatherings, and is sure to impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Persian Polo Chicken. It was many years ago, back in the bustling streets of Tehran, where I found myself wandering through a vibrant market full of colorful spices and fragrant herbs.

As I meandered through the market, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling bazaar, I stumbled upon a small, unassuming stall run by a kind elderly woman. She was busy preparing a delicious-smelling dish that caught my attention immediately. Intrigued by the aromas wafting from her pot, I couldn't resist approaching her to inquire about the dish she was making.

The woman smiled warmly at me and explained that she was making Polo Chicken, a traditional Persian dish that was a favorite among her family and friends. She graciously offered to share her recipe with me, as she believed that good food should always be shared and enjoyed by others.

Eager to learn the secrets of this tantalizing dish, I watched intently as the woman showed me how to prepare the ingredients and cook the chicken with a fragrant blend of spices and herbs. She explained that the key to a successful Polo Chicken dish was in the careful selection of spices and the slow, meticulous cooking process that allowed the flavors to meld together perfectly.

I took careful notes as the woman shared her recipe with me, making sure to capture every detail and nuance of the dish. I was determined to recreate the flavors of her Polo Chicken in my own kitchen, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished addition to my culinary repertoire.

After bidding farewell to the kind woman, I hurried home to begin my culinary adventure. Armed with the notes and memories from my encounter at the market, I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing the dish with care and precision.

The process of making Persian Polo Chicken was a labor of love, requiring patience and attention to detail. I marinated the chicken in a fragrant blend of spices and yogurt, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat with a rich and savory taste. Then, I carefully layered the chicken with saffron-infused rice, caramelized onions, and plump raisins, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that tantalized the senses.

As the dish simmered and steamed on the stove, filling my kitchen with the mouth-watering aromas of cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric, I knew that I had stumbled upon a culinary treasure that would become a staple in my family for generations to come.

When the time came to finally taste my creation, I was overcome with joy and satisfaction. The Persian Polo Chicken was a triumph, a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate and transported me back to the bustling streets of Tehran where I first discovered this recipe.

Since that fateful day in the market, I have made Persian Polo Chicken countless times, each batch a labor of love and a tribute to the kind woman who shared her recipe with me. This dish has become a beloved favorite among my family and friends, a testament to the power of good food and the joy of sharing it with others.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of Persian Polo Chicken with my loved ones, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous encounter that brought this recipe into my life. It is a reminder of the beauty and richness of Persian cuisine, a culinary tradition that continues to inspire and delight me with its exquisite flavors and textures.

And so, as I savor each mouthful of Polo Chicken, I am transported back to that bustling market in Tehran, where I first discovered the magic of this timeless recipe. It is a memory that I will cherish always, a culinary journey that has enriched my life in ways I could have never imagined.