All posts tagged: Sour Cherries

Morabay-e Albaloo – Persian Sour Cherry Jam

Morabay-e Albaloo – Persian Sour Cherry Jam

In every Persian home, Morabay-e Albaloo – Persian Sour Cherry Jam carries sweet childhood memories. I still remember waking up to the smell of freshly baked Nan-e Barbari, hearing the gentle clink of tea glasses, and seeing this deep ruby-red jam glistening in a small glass bowl on the breakfast table. My grandmother would always say that a good Morabay-e Albaloo should have whole cherries floating in a thick syrup, like little jewels. She believed serving this jam to guests was a sign of love and care, and to this day, every spoonful reminds me of her warm kitchen, her floral apron, and the simple joy of gathering with family to start the day with something sweet.

Albaloo Polo – Colorful Sour Cherry Rice with Lamb Meatballs

Albaloo Polo – Colorful Sour Cherry Rice with Lamb Meatballs

Sour cherry season is finally here and I have a recipe for Albaloo Polo – Colorful Sour Cherry Rice with Lamb Meatballs for you. I absolutely love these bright red gems with their tart, juicy flesh. Sadly, their season is short — usually just from July to August — and they’re already getting hard to find. The riper the cherries, the more nutrients they hold, so if you spot some at your local market, grab them! I found some fresh ones the other day and decided to make one of my all-time favorite Persian dishes: Albaloo Polo, which literally means “Sour Cherry Rice.” It’s a festive dish we typically serve at special occasions — a real eye-catcher on any celebration table.

Khoresh-e Albaloo - Meatballs in Sour Cherry Sauce خورش آلبالو

Khoresh-e Albaloo – Meatballs in Sour Cherry Sauce خورش آلبالو

Cherries ring in the summer for me, whether sweet or sour, as the season begins in June/July. Did you ever hang the most beautiful double or even triple red cherries over your ears right and left, and it made you feel beautiful? This childhood memory is anchored deep in my memory. Tart cherries are a mouthwatering combination in savory stews, and so is my recipe of today, Khoresh-e Albaloo – Lamb meatballs in sour cherry sauce خورش آلبالو. In this dish, tart cherries stand in the spotlight and complete the taste of the lamb meatballs. The preparation is simple, super quick, and will blow you away. Watch my Video on Instagram 

Khoresht-e Albaloo - One-Pan Chicken with Sour Cherries خورشت آلبالو

Khoresht-e Albaloo – One-Pan Chicken with Sour Cherries خورشت آلبالو

When it comes to sour cherries, you probably think of fruitcakes, pies, desserts or jams. But sour cherries can be used in many different ways and also fit in savory main dishes, as in my today’s recipe Khoresht-e Albaloo – One-Pan Chicken with Sour Cherries خورشت آلبالو . The spicy flavor of the chicken harmonizes perfectly with the sour-sweet flavor of the sour cherries and is seasoned with just a few ingredients, such as saffron and lemon juice. This dish is a traditional Persian dish, which is also very popular with meatballs besides chicken. Do you also want a palate explosion, then be sure to try this dish!