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Home » Recipes » Persian

Zereshk Polo - Persian Barberry Rice

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BY Ayeh Manfre · UPDATED: Mar 12, 25 · PUBLISHED: Feb 5, 25 · Leave a Comment
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Zereshk Polo is a Persian Barberry rice dish and a staple dish in our cuisine. It's been a personal favorite since childhood, here I'll show you how easy it is to make with tips from my mama. With of course crispy tahdig, made in a special way using saffron!

Zereshk Polo rice served on a large plate with tahdig on the side

True story…Zershk Polo is actually one of the first Persian recipes I learnt to make! It’s one that my mama would cook frequently as it's quick and easy to make, so we had it often on weeknights once she came home from work. Here I'll show you tips my mama taught me, which was passed down from my grandma Mama Mansour 🙂

If you haven't tried it before, zereshk polo is a barberry rice (zershk translates to barberries, and polo means rice). Barberries are tiny red berries that are quite tart and sour, however they are sweetened when cooked. Traditionally this dish is served with a saffron chicken stew known as Zereshk Polo ba Morgh (with chicken). As I no longer eat chicken, I serve it with a chickpea stew which is cooked the same way with saffron and onion. I've of course made authentic Persian rice with crispy tahdig, but extra special with a saffron tahdig!

The tahdig is the crispy rice from the bottom of the pot and its the most popular and everyone's favorite! We make this with all of our Persian rice dishes such as lubia polo and even makaroni - Persian spaghetti. The barberries are sautéed with sugar until plump and juicy, so they then become sweet and sour. I love when eating them that they burst in your mouth, yum! What's great is that the barberries are sprinkled on top of the rice and also served on the side so you can control how much you like. I love them, so I tend to pile it on 😋

Saffron is used 3 different ways in this recipe, but don't let that scare you away. Whilst saffron is the worlds most expensive spice, crazy right! A little goes a long way if prepared correctly. I will teach you simple steps to help you get the most of the saffron. We use it quite often in Persian recipes, from sweet to savory such as bastani sonnati (ice cream) and kashke bademjan (eggplant dip).

Table of Contents
  • What makes this recipe special
  • What is Zereshk Polo?
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • How to make Zereshk Polo - Persian Barberry Rice
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Storage Instructions
  • FAQs
  • Pairing
  • More Persian Rice
  • Recipe
  • Comments
Ayeh and Mum holding a large plate of zereshk polo

What makes this recipe special

  • Authentic Persian Recipe: This recipe was taught by my mama and passed down from my grandma so its as authentic as it gets!
  • Burst of Flavor: Tangy barberries combined with saffron and sugar create the perfect balance with of course the crispy tahdig
  • Quick & Easy: Despite its elegant look, it uses simple steps and made in no time
  • Versatile: Pair it with different proteins or stews, I serve it with a Persian style chickpea stew
Chickpea stew served on a plate with crispy tahdig and zereshk polo

What is Zereshk Polo?

Zereshk Polo translates to barberry rice in Persian/Farsi language. It's a very popular Persian dish alongside ghormeh sabzi, thats commonly served at parties, gatherings, and it's also simple enough to make for weeknight dinners. Its a personal favorite since childhood and one of the first Persian foods I learnt to make 😊

The barberries are cooked down with sugar which balances out their tartness, creating a lovely balance of sweet and sour. Fluffy Persian rice is cooked of course with crispy tahdig (crispy rice from the bottom of the rice pot). It's then layered with the barberry mixture and garnish.

Traditionally served with saffron chicken which is known as zereshk polo ba morgh (barberry rice with chicken). I've made a similar vegan variation with this saffron chickpea stew.

Barberries cooked down with sugar, saffron and oil

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Basmati rice is a long-grain rice and a staple in Persian cuisine. We prepare it with a double cooking method which is the ultimate key to perfect fluffy rice along with a delicious crispy tahdig
  • Barberries (zereshk) are of course the star of the show! They're tiny red berries that are tart and sour, however sweetened when cooked. Purchase them from Persian grocers and possibly Indian or Middle Eastern supermarkets, or online. If unavailable, dried cranberries can be a substitute, but they're much sweeter so I would reduce the sugar
  • Saffron is used a few different ways enhancing the dish with its beautiful aroma, color and flavor. A little goes a long way so be sure to follow my recipe to infuse and make saffron water. Turmeric sometimes can be substituted for the golden color, but isn't a direct substitute as it will change the flavor
  • Sugar helps balance the tartness of the barberries without making the dish overly sweet
  • Extra virgin olive oil is used for cooking and for making the crispy tahdig. Butter is commonly substituted, along with vegetable oil
  • Slivered pistachios and almonds are a traditional garnish that adds crunch and gives its signature look. You can swap in other nuts or omit them if preferred
Saffron tahdig rice on a plate with chickpea stew and barberries on the side

How to make Zereshk Polo - Persian Barberry Rice

This Persian rice dish is a personal favorite growing up. The sweet and sour barberries with saffron rice are a match made in heaven! Follow my simple steps below (note quantities are listed in the recipe card below)

Parboil Rice and Prepare Saffron

Basmati rice being washed in a pot with water

Add rice to a non-stick pot and wash under a running tap (~ 4-5 times)

Water and salt added to pot with rice

Fill with clean water then add salt. Simmer on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes to parboil

Saffron threads grinded with a mortar and pestle

Grind saffron threads into a powder consistency using a mortar and pestle

Saffron infused with water

Add ½ teaspoon of ground saffron to a small ramekin then pour over a few tablespoons of boiling water. Leave to infuse

Par boiled rice drained in a colander

When rice is al dente, drain in a colander. Then rinse under cold water with low water pressure

Infused saffron added to a portion of rice in a bowl

To make the saffron tahdig, add a few ladles of the rice to a bowl. Then drizzle some of the saffron water and mix

Cook Rice and Prepare Barberries

Saffron rice added to bottom of pot with oil

Add olive oil to the bottom of the same pot. Then add the saffron rice as an even layer

Rice added to the pot with holes made to release steam

Pour in the remaining rice and make holes to act as air pockets using the handle of a wooden spoon

Kitchen towel wrapped around lid and placed on pot to cook

Wrap the lid with a clean kitchen towel, add a splash of water to the pot and place the lid on. Cook on low heat for 45 minutes

Barberries cooked down with saffron water, sugar and olive oil

Rinse barberries in a colander under cold water. Then add to a pan with olive oil, sugar and a drizzle of the saffron water

Barberries being sautéed in a pan

Simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently

Plate placed on top of rice pot ready to flip upside down

When the rice is ready, remove the lid and place a large dish over the pot. Gently flip the pot upside down

Pot being lifted to reveal cooked rice

Carefully lift the pot and reveal the rice with crispy saffron tahdig

Final zereshk polo garnished with barberries, pistachios and almonds

To serve, remove the tahdig and sprinkle the top of the rice with a layer of the barberries then garnish with slivered pistachios and almonds. Enjoy!

Zereshk Polo rice with barberries, almonds and pistachios

Tips and Tricks

  1. Always rinse your rice, this is key with Persian rice cooking and will remove excess starch and achieve fluffy rice grains
  2. Double cooking the rice is the Persian method - first boil until al dente, then steam with the lid wrapped with a towel absorbing any moisture. This keeps the rice and tahdig from getting soggy or mushy
  3. Make saffron water to get the most out of your saffron. Blooming ground saffron is a crucial step, you can do this in boiling water or over ice cubes which infuses the lovely spice to release its full aroma and color
  4. Rinse the dried barberries to remove any dust and ensure to continuously stir when cooking with the sugar. They can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them and add a dash of water if needed
  5. When serving add a layer of the barberry mixture over the rice and top with slivered almonds and pistachios. Keep some of the barberries on the side for anyone that prefers more, I love them and pile them on, so I usually make extra 😉

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • To reheat, add a dash of water over the rice and reheat in a covered pan over medium heat, or you can also microwave it
  • Leftover barberry mixture can be reheated separately in a small pan with a splash of water over low heat 
  • Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw and reheat gently before serving
Plates of Persian rice with saffron tahdig, chickpea stew and barberries

FAQs

What are barberries?

Barberries are dried tiny tangy berries commonly used in Persian cuisine. They have a tart flavor and here they are sweetened and cooked with sugar to balance the sourness

Where to buy barberries?

Purchase from a Persian supermarket, online, or possibly a Middle Eastern or Indian grocer

What to serve with Zereshk Polo?

Typically, its served with a saffron chicken stew named zereshk polo ba morgh (with chicken). Here I've made a vegan version, with a saffron chickpea stew. You can then serve alongside the popular shirazi salad and mast o khiar (cucumber and yogurt dip)

Do I need a special pan for tahdig?

A good quality non-stick pot works best to achieve that crispy golden crust. Always cook slow over a low heat so it doesn't burn

Can I make this without saffron?

Saffron is a key ingredient, but if unavailable, you can omit it and make the classic Persian rice with tahdig

Zereshk Polo with barberries and slithered almonds and pistachios

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Zereshk Polo:

  • Chickpea stew served in a bowl
    Chickpea Stew
  • Shirazi salad in a bowl
    Shirazi Salad
  • Kashke Bademjan Persian Eggplant Dip with fresh mint and bread on the side
    Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)
  • Spoon of mast o khiar coming out of bowl
    Mast o Khiar (Persian Cucumber Yogurt Dip)

More Persian Rice

Looking for other Persian recipes like this? Try these:

  • Persian rice with crispy tahdig on a plate
    Persian Rice with Crispy Tahdig
  • Lubia Polo, Persian Green Bean Rice served on a plate with Mast o Khiar on the side
    Lubia Polo (Persian Green Bean Rice)
  • Side shot to show tower of Sabzi Polo Persian Herb Rice with crispy tahdig on top
    Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice)
  • Adas polo with tahdig and caramelised onions and dried fruits
    Adas Polo - Persian Lentil Rice

I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your photo on Instagram so I can share the love!

Recipe

Zereshk Polo served with barberries, almonds and pistachios

Zereshk Polo - Persian Barberry Rice (Authentic with Mums Tips)

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Zereshk Polo is a Persian barberry rice dish and a staple dish in our cuisine. It's been a personal favorite since childhood, here I'll show you how easy it is to make!
Author: Ayeh Manfre
Course: Mains
Cuisine: Persian
Servings: 6
Calories: 390kcal
Print
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr 3 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 8 minutes mins

Video

Persian Zereshk Polo with Mama

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups white basmati rice
  • ¾ cup dried barberries
  • 1.5oz / 45g white sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground saffron - or a good pinch of saffron threads 
  • 6-8 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Garnish with slivered pistachios and almonds 
  • Serve with Persian chickpea stew or saffron chicken stew

Instructions

  • Add the basmati rice to a non-stick cooking pot and wash several times under a running tap (approximately 4 - 5 times) until the water runs clear and isn't misty
  • Fill the pot with clean water (about 6-8 cups) and add the salt. Simmer over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes to parboil and partially cook the rice - keep an eye on it so it doesn't overcook
    If there is white foam on the top of the water, carefully spoon it out and disregard
  • Whilst the rice is boiling, use a mortar and pestle and grind the saffron threads into a powder consistency
  • Add about ½ teaspoon or more of the ground saffron to a small glass jar or ramekin. Pour over a few tablespoons of boiling water and allow it to infuse to create a lovely saffron water
  • When the grains of rice are al dente, drain through a colander or fine mesh sieve. Carefully rinse under cold water. Don't have the water pressure too high
  • To make the saffron tahdig, add a few ladels of the par boiled rice to a bowl. Drizzle over some of the saffron water and stir together - the rice should be lovely and yellow
  • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the bottom of the same non-stick pot. Add the saffron rice and gently level it out to an even layer
  • Pour in the remaining rice and use the handle of a wooden spoon or tablespoon to make holes into the rice down to the bottom of the pot. These will act as air pockets
  • Wrap the lid with a clean kitchen towel, add a splash of water to the pot and place the lid on. Cook on the lowest heat for 45 minutes
    If serving with chickpea stew or saffron chicken, prepare this now
  • While the rice is cooking, place the barberries in a colander and rinse under cold water. Add them to a pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sugar and a drizzle of the saffron water
  • Allow them to simmer over a low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently so the sugar melts and the barberries soften and become plump and juicy. If needed add a splash of water to ensure they don't burn
  • When the rice is ready, remove the lid and place a large dish or serving platter over the pot. Gently flip the pot upside down, then carefully lift the pot and reveal your beautiful Persian rice with crispy saffron tahdig
  • Remove the tahdig and sprinkle the top of the rice with a layer of the cooked barberries then garnish with slivered pistachios and almonds
    Enjoy your Zereshk polo alongside chickpea stew or chicken, shirazi salad and a piece of tahdig!
⭐️ Final Step! Would love if you left a rating and comment to let me know how it went. Your feedback helps inspire others and means alot ❤️

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 403mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 0.04IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords: authentic, easy steps, saffron tahdig, tahdig, vegan

More Persian

  • Baghali Polo with crispy tahdig on the side
    Baghali Polo - Persian Fava Bean Rice
  • Mushroom barley soup in a bowl with a soup
    Mushroom Barley Soup
  • Kuku Sabzi Persian Herb Frittata stacked
    Kuku Sabzi - Persian Herb Frittata
  • Spoon in a bowl of Ghormeh Sabzi with rice and saffron tahdig
    Ghormeh Sabzi - Persian Herb Stew

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Hi, I'm Ayeh!

Hey everyone! I love creating easy everyday recipes with a healthy twist that anyone can make. I will show you that you can eat delicious food, using wholesome ingredients that make you feel good from the inside out!

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