| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 266 | 7g | 2g | 44g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 4g | 6g | 0.5g |
As a proud Nebraskan, my palate was primarily nurtured on the heartland’s rustic, farm-fresh flavors. However, my culinary journey has taken me well beyond the Midwest, falling culinarily in love with dishes from around the globe – innovating and infusing those international flavors into my creations. It is in this spirit that I’m eager to share a remarkably delightful and healthful recipe: Barberries and Saffron Rice.
A Glorious Fusion of Flavors
This Barberries and Saffron Rice dish showcases the magnificent blend of delicate basmati rice, aromatic saffron, and the tart flavor profile of barberries, also known as zereshk. Borrowed from Persian cuisine, the sourish barberries meld beautifully with fragrant saffron, creating a flavorful profile that could be likened to a spicier, more aromatic cranberry and rice stuffing. Truly a delightful experience for the tastebuds!
Wholesome and Nutritious
Barberries are not only a flavorful powerhouse; they come packed with health benefits too. Cultivated in regions of Eurasia and North America, barberries are known for their rich antioxidant properties, supporting cardiovascular health and aiding in digestion. Accompanied by the high fiber content of basmati rice and wholesome herbs, this is a recipe that satisfies the soul and nourishes the body.
As a central dish, Barberries and Saffron Rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. If you’re keen on treading the Middle Eastern culinary path, it could be a wonderful partner to dishes like Fesenjan (a pomegranate and walnut stew) or Marinated Green Olives and Feta. It’s versatility makes it amenable to a variety of meal pairings, lending a bold, exotic twist to any table spread.
Whether you hail from the Midwest like me, or from any other corner of the world, I wholeheartedly invite you to give the Barberries and Saffron Rice recipe a whirl. It’s a delightful fusion of far-reaching flavors that resonates with my passion for blending the best of global cuisine with heartland comfort.
What You’ll Need
- 1 and a half cups of basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons of hot water
- 1 and a half cups of barberries (also known as zereshk)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh herbs (parsley, coriander or dill)
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set the rice aside to drain thoroughly.
Step Two
In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic and saffron threads – that have been previously soaked in hot water – to the pan. Stir well to fully incorporate the ingredients and cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Step Four
Add the barberries and stir well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, making sure not to burn the berries.
Step Five
Stir in the butter, allowing it to fully melt and coat the ingredients in the pan.
Step Six
Add the drained basmati rice to the pan and stir well, making sure every grain of rice is coated with the butter and saffron mixture.
Step Seven
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth in the pan. Add salt to taste. Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and let it simmer until the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender. This should take about 15 minutes.
Step Eight
Remove the pan from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for another 5 minutes.
Step Nine
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the fresh herbs.
Step Ten
Before serving, garnish with the sliced almonds, if desired. Enjoy your fragrant and flavorful Barberries and Saffron Rice!
