Zereshk Polo ba Morgh – Saffron Rice with Barberries & Chicken Meatballs
Close your eyes and imagine this: your kitchen fills with the aroma of freshly steamed saffron rice, while ruby-red barberries sparkle in the light and the scent of warm butter drifts through the air. In that moment, you truly experience the essence of Persian hospitality. Zereshk Polo ba Morgh stands as one of the most beloved classics of Persian cuisine – a dish that carries the taste of home, warmth, and family gatherings across generations. Even today, it remains a centerpiece on festive tables, cherished because of its unique balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Now, I give this traditional recipe a fresh twist. Instead of chicken drumsticks, I shape tender little saffron chicken meatballs. As a result, Zereshk Polo is lighter, more modern, and still bursting with flavor. At the same time, it is much easier to enjoy on a busy weeknight. In this way, you experience the full magic of saffron rice with barberries, but in a new and surprisingly simple version. So, if you want to try Zereshk Polo ba Morgh …