Persian Rice Is The Most UNDERRATED Rice Ever

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  • čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
  • Head to geolog.ie/EATS70 to save 70% off on your 30 day trial. Thanks to Geologie for sponsoring today’s video.
    ____
    We're making Barberry Saffron Rice ( Zereshk Polo ba morgh زرشک پلو با مرغ ) today which we're serving alongside some delicious Saffron Chicken (Khoresh-e Morgh مرغ مجلسی). I'm a HUGE fan of Persian food and this Persian Rice is one of the best rice recipes I've tried! The Barberry rice gives you a little hint of sourness that works perfect with the Persian Chicken.
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    ___
    0:00 Intro
    0:17 How to make Persian Rice
    2:56 Making Saffron Rice
    3:57 Preparing Barberries
    6:47 Serving Zereshk Polo
    7:16 Persian Chicken recipe
    9:47 Taste Test & Outro
    ___
    Makes 4 Servings
    Steamed Rice:
    2 Cups (400g) Persian Rice (Hashemi, Sella, Domsiah) or Long Grain Basmati rice
    2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
    2 Tsp Salt
    Saffron Rice:
    1-2 Cup Steamed rice
    20 Threads of Saffron (0.2g)
    Barberry Rice:
    1 Cup Saffron Rice
    1/2 Cup Dried Barberries
    2 Tbsp Water or Saffron Water
    1 Tbsp Butter
    1 Tbsp Sugar
    Sliced pistachio for garnish
    Persian Chicken - Khoresh Morgh:
    1 Medium Onion
    1 clove garlic (optional, very few recipes use it but it rounds the sauce)
    30-40 Threads of Saffron (0.3g)
    1Kg Chicken Legs
    50g (4 Tbsp) Tomato Paste
    3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
    1 1/2 - 2 Tsp Salt
    1 Tsp Black Pepper
    1 Tsp Turmeric
    ___
    Directions:
    Steamed Persian Rice:
    1- Wash your rice thoroughly with room temp water, draining and replacing the rice until the water runs clear, this takes about 3 washes
    2- Soak the rice for about 10 minutes in clean room temp water
    3- Meanwhile fill a large pot with loads of water (2-3L) and bring to a boil. Add 2 Tsp of salt when boiling
    4- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Allow to boil for about 4-6 minutes
    5- Check the rice every minute, when it is 70% of the way cooked, with a little crunchy core but soft outsides it is ready
    6- Remove the rice, and run it under cold water to completely cool it down
    7- Place the oil inside your pot and place your now cooled rice on top
    8- Turn the heat up to medium, and cover the pot with a lid
    9- Once it heats up and builds steam, turn the heat to low. Wrap the lid in a clean kitchen towel and place it on the pot
    10- Steam for 15-40 minutes until the rice is perfectly fluffy
    Saffron Rice:
    1- Place the saffron in a mortar and crush it with a little salt until it forms a powder
    2- Pour over hot water and dissolve the saffron
    3- Place the steamed rice in a bowl, and pour over enough saffron to achieve your desired colour
    4- Mix well
    Barberry Rice:
    1- Thoroughly wash your barberries, then soak in clean water for 10 minutes
    2- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, drain and add the barberries
    3- Add the sugar and water, then heat until the water evaporates and barberries are plump
    4- Mix part of the barberries with part of the saffron rice
    How to make Zereshk polo:
    1- Layer the white steamed rice on a plate
    2- Fork over some saffron rice
    3- Place barberry rice on top
    4- Garnish with sliced pistachio
    How to make Persian Chicken:
    1- Remove the skin from the chicken legs, and make saffron extract
    2- (optional) Blanch the chicken in boiling water for 5-10 minutes
    3- Heat oil in a pan and place the chicken in. Sear for 3-5 minutes per side until golden
    4- Remove the chicken and add the onion diced to a medium dice. Saute for 5 minutes until softened
    5- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add tomato, salt, pepper, turmeric
    6- Cook off the spices for a minute then add 1/2 cup of water
    7- Make saffron extract, then place the chicken back in the pan, and add water until most of the way up the chicken
    8- Simmer over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes flipping halfway through
    9- During last 10 minutes, baste the chicken with the sauce regularly. If the sauce is too watery, remove the chicken and reduce it
  • Jak na to + styl

Komentáře • 268

  • @jimmerd
    @jimmerd Před rokem +59

    did you make those search results during the ad? they're pretty funny!

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před rokem +27

      Hahaha you're the first one to notice. Yep that little shot took me about an hour to fake 🤣🤣🤣🤣.

  • @g.s.632
    @g.s.632 Před rokem +6

    The tip for fluffy rice is :
    1. Not overcook the rice during the first stage (and if you think you did so, immediately add a cup of super cold water to it)
    2. Add one tablespoon of lemon juice to the rice while it cooks (so first stage)
    3. Thank you so much for the video. It truly makes me happy to see such good recreations of Persian recipes.

  • @thismissivemisfit
    @thismissivemisfit Před 2 lety +102

    My late paternal grandma used to tell me that kids who eat the crispy, burnt rice from the bottom of the pot will grow up to be very smart. I totally believed her back then as a naive child and learned to love eating it as I grew older.
    However, the 'becoming smart' part was just a lie adults tell children so that no food is wasted 😂😅

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +20

      Aww that's sweet. I would probably eat the crispy rice either way, I love it!

    • @sarahwatts7152
      @sarahwatts7152 Před 2 lety +6

      That's an awesome memory! The only thing I can think of that's remotely similar is from when I lived in Peru - they say that if you cry when you cut onions, you're a jealous person. So I guess we're all jealous?

    • @msalehi7564
      @msalehi7564 Před 2 lety +5

      In Iran (or at least some areas of Iran) people say if someone usually eats a lot of tahdig, the weather will be rainy on their wedding day. I guess people were trying to prevent others from eating tahdig, so they can eat all of it themselves😂

    • @thismissivemisfit
      @thismissivemisfit Před 2 lety +3

      @@bunnihanni It's a common myth among parents in my country. Another myth is that pregnant mothers who eat too much soy sauce will end up with darker-skinned kids 😅

    • @kamranrowshandel6395
      @kamranrowshandel6395 Před rokem +1

      Is there any doubt that history has tribes, and that tribes don't have history?

  • @judithbraun4854
    @judithbraun4854 Před rokem +21

    a little trick for beginners: put baking parchment paper in the bottom of the pan. You can get your perfekt crust without the Rice sticking to the pan.

  • @sheikhaal-romaihi5890
    @sheikhaal-romaihi5890 Před 2 lety +14

    My Persian friend uses rose water to cook the berries. Very very very delicious

  • @fatemehnoferesti8579
    @fatemehnoferesti8579 Před 2 lety +123

    as an Iranian person, to cook the rice,after washing the rice with warm water ,we soak in with hot water and add salt as much as it tastes salty.after 3-4 hours( if the rice loses the water add more) we boil it as you said ,then,we do not put in the cold water!! we drain it in a basket and pure the cold water on that. then we cook it first with high flame for about 5-7 minutes and then for 40 minutes with very low flame.

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +25

      Thanks, it seems like there are many methods to doing the rice. I'll give your method a try. How hot is the water you soak it in, boiled water and then turn off the heat? I used the bowl to illustrate cooling it, as my sink was too dirty to show running water on it, I did empty it right away.

    • @mrrodgers1099
      @mrrodgers1099 Před 2 lety +5

      This is correct ^^

    • @M.IK92
      @M.IK92 Před 2 lety +5

      @@MiddleEats it’s more convenient to strain the rice with cold water than putting in different bowl and back, it can break the rice. we don’t try to use spoon when emptying the pot just lightly drain through the strainer and rinse with cold water then put back in the pot without spoon

    • @fatemehnoferesti8579
      @fatemehnoferesti8579 Před 2 lety +3

      @@MiddleEats the water near boiling or boiling is ok as well. The best time to soak the rice is from last night to cook for lunch or at least in the morning

    • @IDDQDSound
      @IDDQDSound Před 2 lety +2

      Came to say the same thing. Not shocking the rice in cold water after par boiling means more steam afterwards and fluffier rice.

  • @m.r.jarrell3725
    @m.r.jarrell3725 Před rokem +7

    If you have a garden or plants, use the rice water to water them. It has loads of nutrients that the plants need!

  • @singingturmeric4988
    @singingturmeric4988 Před rokem +7

    Yes, Persian and Afgan rices are the best specially when they both top it with what is called Tah Degi, which means a bit crispy rice that forms at the bottom of the pot makes it even more delicious. Both Afghans and Iranians love this.
    I will make some in my next video

    • @Jynx215
      @Jynx215 Před rokem

      One of our family friends is Persian, I remember having gormehsabzi with tadhig on all our special family occasions.

  • @samuelcohen2215
    @samuelcohen2215 Před 2 lety +35

    I had the pleasure of living with a Persian (their preferred way to reference their heritage) for an extended time and enjoyed this dish often. Some of the crispy rice on the bottom of the pot *which is called "tadig" was always given to me because I was a guest. The rest was given to the youngest members of the family. There is no dish like it anywhere else in my experience (which is, luckily for me, extensive), especially with saffron and barberries.

    • @antonioskoliadis3154
      @antonioskoliadis3154 Před rokem +2

      Indeed, it is delicious! A Persian lady I have met at college in London, has cooked it for me, it is a rice dish I will always remember!

    • @cococornhuskyy
      @cococornhuskyy Před rokem +3

      Fyi people say Persian when they don't like the Iranian government. The name of the country is Iran. Persian as an adjective comes from Greek.

  • @tamarlidar8251
    @tamarlidar8251 Před 2 lety +11

    Not persian, but here's how I do it:
    I wash the rice like you did, then soak it - for for much longer than 20 minutes. I'd say at least 45 minutes to an hour. Then, I boil it for a very short time, maybe three minutes. Once the grains start rising up, I take the rice out. I then put it up back in the pot just like you did, but I wrap the towel over the lid from the very beginning, and start with a medium heat for about ten minutes, then turn it down to minimum for about 40 minutes. I avoid opening the lid anywhere in between, as I don't want any of the steam to escape. This ensures that the grains are fluffy and separated from one another, but also keep their form.
    Hope this helps. I've been following your channel for quite some time now, and tried many of your recipes, they are all wonderful!

    • @thefoodvlog1
      @thefoodvlog1 Před 2 lety

      If not Persian, what cuisine this recipe belongs 😊

    • @tamarlidar8251
      @tamarlidar8251 Před 2 lety +3

      @@thefoodvlog1 oh the recipe is most definitely Persian, I meant I am not of persian descent:)

    • @thefoodvlog1
      @thefoodvlog1 Před 2 lety +2

      @@tamarlidar8251 Oh, I misunderstood. I’m really sorry my friend 🌹

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +2

      Ah, we soaked for longer the first time around and I felt like that might have contributed to the texture of it. I think I need to do a video testing the different variables

    • @nicholasgougeon3835
      @nicholasgougeon3835 Před 2 lety +4

      My spouse is Persian and I've gotten tips on the rice from my mother in law. I do something similar. I'll soak the rice for about 3 hours (you can optionally add a ton of salt at this point because you will wash the rice after soaking). Wash your rice. Boil just until it starts to rise and fall. Drain. Add vegetable oil to the pot and place half a piece of pita (with a few holes punched out) in the bottom. This is the tahdig. You can just let the rice develop on its own here (i.e. no pita) or slice some potatoes in medium thick slices and place them at the bottom. Let the tahdig fry for 30 seconds to a minute. Pull the pot off and place the rice in. Poke your holes (I've never seen the rice mounded like in the video). Put your towel on and place the rice on low for 30 mins. Melt a tbsp or two of butter and pour over the rice. Put it back on low for another 30 mins. Perfect rice and tahdig every time!

  • @__lawrell
    @__lawrell Před 2 lety +35

    I'm not Iranian, but it's pretty important to mix the very bottom layer of rice with some saffron water to get a beautiful tahdig. It's also common to use flatbread like lavash for the tahdig. I like to give the tahdig a bit of a head start by letting just the bottom layer fry for a few minutes on medium before adding the rest of the rice and reducing the heat to low to steam.

    • @orifox1629
      @orifox1629 Před 2 lety

      Same and I too was looking for the tahdig.

    • @Mohammad_Khademi
      @Mohammad_Khademi Před rokem +3

      I am Iranian, and I have to say you are pretty spot on about this, Potatoes are also very commonly used for the tahdig, During the week saffron is sometimes skipped, but the pre-heating method to improve your tahdig before putting the rice in is never skipped really. You hit the mark about the temperature, it's essential to keep the heat as low as possible while steaming. Some people also brew their saffron within the pot but place a cup (we have small tea cups that take little space) filled with saffron and a bit of water in there.

  • @panajotov
    @panajotov Před rokem +1

    I absolutely love how everyone is respectful in the comments. I usually stay away from rice videos' comments, they can be quite toxic. Amazing job, thank you for the video!

  • @msalehi7564
    @msalehi7564 Před 2 lety +2

    You would have better results if you soak the rice after washing it. Make sure to soak it with cold water and salt (1 tbsp of salt for each cup of rice). Never use hot water for soaking rice since it causes breakage in the rice grains. Soak it for about one hour or until the grains are matt white with no transparency. Then bring water to the boiling point, discard the soaking water (if you don't, the extra water brings the temperature of boiling water down), and add the soaked rice to the boiling water. Expectedly, after adding the rice the boiling water stops boiling. The sooner you get it to boil again, the fluffier the rice. Boiling itself causes movements in the pot and prevents the rice from sticking. Once you have al dente rice, add a cup of ice to the pot (it gives a shock to the rice and makes it taller) then drain the rice in a colander. I usually don't rinse it with cold water because it will wash off some of the aroma and the remaining salt. Add oil to the pot, and cover the bottom of the pot with a few pieces of flatbread like pita or lavash. Then return the rice to the pot. I usually don't use vegetable oil on top of the rice. Traditionally we use a small amount of butter or ghee. I put the pot on high heat for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low for 35 minutes or so. Once the rice is ready, we add more butter or ghee to the rice. This way, we retain the aroma of butter as well. Oh, and that bread for tahdig is golden and crispy. It is much more pleasant than rice tahdig. You can even use sliced potato for tahdig.

  • @mariamrostami1200
    @mariamrostami1200 Před 2 lety +5

    این یکی از خوشمزه ترین غذاهای ایرانی هست.حتما امتحانش کنید.after boiling rise half cook, pull them out of hot water and pour cold water on them in a strainer. don't let the rise soak in water. and for steam cook if you use hot melted Ghee instead of vegetable oil it would be better.

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +3

      Yes it was EXTREMELY delicious, I think I will make it a lot!

    • @behqo7658
      @behqo7658 Před 2 lety +1

      @Middle Eats This post and a proper tahdig is all that's missing from your otherwise perfect attempt. Just wait till you smell the ghee in your rice... 😍😍😍

  • @mrstabil3394
    @mrstabil3394 Před 2 lety +57

    Not persian but iraqi and we do the same type of rice. I've had many tries replicating the fluffy rice my mom makes. The key is soaking longer (at the very least 30 minutes) and then letting it steam for longer (even though I've never had the patience to wait for longer than 30 minutes). Btw basmati is completely fine, it's all we and every persian family I know have ever been using.
    Great video btw, always looking forward to your next recipes.

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +8

      Thanks! I think the Iranian rice is technically a type of Basmati so yes it's definitely fine. I'll give the longer soak a try

    • @msalehi7564
      @msalehi7564 Před 2 lety +8

      Persian rice isn't basmati rice. It's more similar to high-quality Jasmin rice. It's very aromatic and fluffy. Basmati rice doesn't have any aroma and it's very stiff. If you don't have access to Persian rice, you can replace it with aromatic AAAAA Jasmin rice.

    • @MichelleObamasBBC
      @MichelleObamasBBC Před rokem +10

      @@msalehi7564 Did you just say Basmati has no aroma?

    • @leilamolaei8479
      @leilamolaei8479 Před rokem +4

      @@MichelleObamasBBC @m_salehi is right, in comparison basmati doesn't have an aroma compared to Iranian or sella rice.

    • @SamBrickell
      @SamBrickell Před rokem +1

      Moms know best! :)

  • @jordynchristophides2799
    @jordynchristophides2799 Před rokem +3

    Great job with this one! I've always had trouble making Persian rice, so this helped a lot! And the production quality keeps getting better and better. Thank you Obi!!

  • @thefoodvlog1
    @thefoodvlog1 Před 2 lety +4

    Love that you introduce different dishes from different cuisines 👍👏✌️ Best of luck 🌹

  • @HopALongSassidy
    @HopALongSassidy Před rokem

    I cannot wait to make this. Thank you. ❤️

  • @DrBrunoRecipes
    @DrBrunoRecipes Před 2 lety +6

    Looks amazing 👌🏻 Greetings from Scotland 😊 Have a great day everyone 🌻

  • @thepilgrimofinfinity4830
    @thepilgrimofinfinity4830 Před 2 lety +3

    O my God! I love this recipe! Persian cuisine is so delicious! The Middle East is the best part of the world for food!

  • @matheff71
    @matheff71 Před rokem +2

    Obi, you made so much progress! I watched your early videos, always liked your energy and the vibe, the true love for food. One day we will see a video about 1 million subs, I guarantee it! Cheers mate!

  • @HopALongSassidy
    @HopALongSassidy Před rokem +1

    I made this. You undersold the chicken. It is really nice. Your instructions are superb, as always.

  • @touta1006
    @touta1006 Před rokem +1

    I really want to make this next. All your recipes are so yummy. 😋❤

  • @zizizizi4146
    @zizizizi4146 Před 2 lety +6

    You know you made it as a CZcamsr the moment you start making advertisements,congrats Obi💪👍

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety

      Thanks, though I definitely haven't made it yet 😅

    • @zizizizi4146
      @zizizizi4146 Před 2 lety +2

      @@MiddleEats doesnt matter i think you made it and will make it even better, i just like that you commented on my comment🙃🙂

  • @mr.caleblynn9246
    @mr.caleblynn9246 Před rokem

    I love the increased camera quality and new editing skills! wonderful video!

  • @zovalentine7305
    @zovalentine7305 Před rokem +3

    I'm just mad about saffron 🎶
    A line from a song, but I mean the real deal. My Grandfather from Persia, a fabulous cook, sent away to old country for spices by the barrel which he used in his famous chili manufacturing business in Detroit Michigan USA

  • @benamini5701
    @benamini5701 Před 2 lety +5

    There are many families so there are many methods and techniques. But you done it beautifully my guy, even with the pronunciations.

  • @shaghayeghdeliran2264
    @shaghayeghdeliran2264 Před 2 lety +6

    Wow! I love this dish. You've done a great job. Making the Persian rice perfect is not easy! After many years of trying still can't make it as fluffy as my moms. She soaks it very long (a few hours at least) and never leaves the pan while boiling it.

  • @ZaffronButterVanilla
    @ZaffronButterVanilla Před 2 lety +1

    Well done 👍😍... Appreciatarion for sharing this popular and delicious food of Iran🤍🌻

  • @louiseaz7717
    @louiseaz7717 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for introducing cuisine of my country. Your channel is amazing and recepies are really accurate. 🙏🌹

  • @Dinckelburg
    @Dinckelburg Před rokem +4

    My favourite rice for this dish is either Sofra sella or Anjoman. The grains are incredibly long and delicate

  • @jduce68
    @jduce68 Před rokem

    What a beautiful recipe!

  • @conort3809
    @conort3809 Před 2 lety +13

    Thanks for making this video, I’ve been in Bayswater in London the last while and there has been some great Persian food in the area. Now I have some idea of how to replicate the lovely rice they’ve been serving me

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +5

      Yeah I've been eating a lot at a restaurant called Colbeh just off of Edgware Road in London. It's so so good! Love it

    • @conort3809
      @conort3809 Před 2 lety +5

      @@MiddleEats I went there and loved it too. I also visited Hafez and Sinuhe on Hereford Rd, both are also good shouts imo

    • @blobbins17
      @blobbins17 Před 2 lety +1

      Alounak innit

  • @kman6716
    @kman6716 Před rokem +1

    Looks great 👍🏻

  • @anitahamlin2411
    @anitahamlin2411 Před rokem +3

    I love Persian rice. Especially the crispy kind!

  • @truegrit7697
    @truegrit7697 Před 2 lety +2

    I love middle eastern food, and I love watching how you prepare it! 😀

  • @hesammirzaie
    @hesammirzaie Před rokem

    Great work. Couples things I like to add.first you need to soak persian rice with a lot of salt for 2-3 hours.my grandma soak them night before.then the pot needs to be thicker.thin pot doesn't make rice overcooked. add little lime juice inside the boiling water and wash the rice after you take it out with cold water. You should add more oil and when you want to serve it you should add butter to the rice.

  • @ninah27
    @ninah27 Před rokem

    This is legitimately my new favourite CZcams channel.

  • @ElJosher
    @ElJosher Před rokem +2

    It is always cool to see how different cultures cook rice. I’m puertorican and our method is different from both east and central asian methods of cooking rice. We don’t (at least I and other people I know) clean rice here. Since we use oil or fat when cooking it, it doesn’t get extremely clumpy. It does maintain a slight stickiness that allows it to stay put on the fork.

    • @MichaelMaxwell747
      @MichaelMaxwell747 Před rokem

      I love the pork and rice dish my Puerto Rican co - worker used to bring me. Wish I had some right now!

    • @ElJosher
      @ElJosher Před rokem

      Glad you enjoyed it.

  • @thesparkypilot
    @thesparkypilot Před rokem +1

    The crispy rice part is amazing! A Persian friend cooked me Cherry Rice with the crispy bottom and I’ve never had anything like it ever since! This looks similar- I’ll have to try it ❤️

  • @sigogglin
    @sigogglin Před 2 lety +2

    My favorite Persian dish!!

  • @biendereviere
    @biendereviere Před rokem

    Obi this looks delicious 🤤 giving it a try very soon 🤭❤️

  • @cookingrillinwiththejohnsons

    Great video.

  • @Animaxx010
    @Animaxx010 Před rokem +1

    Never had any experiences of Persian food. But oh my goodness, had some for the first time the other day. Love love their rice and chicken. And I can eat tahdig all day.

  • @sanash9894
    @sanash9894 Před rokem +1

    Best rice ever man these people know how to cook

  • @jimmerd
    @jimmerd Před rokem +2

    Also, I like the "interruptions" of Editing Obi!

  • @kodama1000
    @kodama1000 Před 2 lety

    your constant smile is contagious ❤️

  • @Jenavee26
    @Jenavee26 Před rokem +3

    Omgosh this looks amazing. I wish the critical ingredients are readily available here where I live. I need to find a Persian restaurant for this lol

  • @vishypai7554
    @vishypai7554 Před rokem

    This rice is served in a couple of Parsi/Iranian cafe restaurants in Bombay and is called Berry Pulao. It is quite expensive due to the use of Saffron, and the Barberries too I think have to imported adding to the price.

  • @Anesthesia069
    @Anesthesia069 Před 2 lety +1

    I'm not Persian at all, but I love Persian food and I have spoken to Persian people. Firstly, I would not soak in cold water, just wash it off. Then, as my Persian friend once told me "use the water left over in the rice for the steam". I tend to use a bit of saffron water for the tahdig and sometimes a touch of yoghurt. The steaming process for me takes 45-50min. Najmieh Batmanglij, suggests even up to an hour (I think; I would have to check). After the initial medium-high steaming phase (7-10mins until a wet finger makes a "jez" sound when you touch the pot), I move it over to a heat diffuser after sprinkling over a touch more water. And some advieh :)

  • @neuvocastezero1838
    @neuvocastezero1838 Před rokem +1

    It's great when the rice clumps together, since it makes it easier to eat.

  • @savannah_matthews105
    @savannah_matthews105 Před 2 lety +4

    Hi Obi!
    Love your videos, I'm gonna make this over the weekend.
    Can you also please share a recipe for shevud baghali polo? Thanks!

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +1

      YESSS I really want to try the dill rice. I will start looking for recipes

  • @alittlebitofeverything6547

    looks good

  • @spacemono5419
    @spacemono5419 Před 2 lety +2

    Thank for making this! Im persian and this is my favorite rice

  • @RoseGold-db6xe
    @RoseGold-db6xe Před rokem

    I’m Iranian and you done it perfectly ❤❤❤❤❤ Mashallah! ❤❤❤❤

  • @marvinharms1891
    @marvinharms1891 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Nice one bro👌 I lived and worked in Iran in 2008. This was one of my favorite dishes. Persians don't use many spices. So as an East coast S African that loves spicy, I add ground cumin and chilli powder. I finish it off dried fenugreek leaves😋👊

    • @BarneyCarroll
      @BarneyCarroll Před 5 měsíci

      This reminds me of a friend from Pakistan who lived in East London. He loved all the Persian restaurants there because the food reminded him of Pakistani, but without all the spices - which he hated. One time his in-laws came to visit and he took them to this very fancy Persian restaurant: they said it didn't taste of anything and asked the waiter to bring finger chilies to put on everything.

    • @marvinharms1891
      @marvinharms1891 Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@BarneyCarroll Yes Persian foods are not 'hot', or too much spicy, as in chilli hot. They focus on starch (rice)and vegetables, with a little lamb or beef beans, but a big inclusion of fresh herbs.

  • @sayalidamle90
    @sayalidamle90 Před rokem +5

    Indian Parsi's make a similar version of this called "berry pulao" .
    You get it in old Parsi cafe's in Mumbai (bombay)

    • @fuadroshan2704
      @fuadroshan2704 Před rokem

      It's probably the same thing. Parsi or Farsi simply means Persian, Farsi is the arabic form of Parsi. In Persian the word "Polo" means cooked rice(usually with something like herbs, fruits or even some beans like fava). I'm not sure about the origin of word "polo" but right now I'm thinking about searching about it.
      Also there is another word for cooked rice in Farsi called "Cholo" or "Chelo" which is simple cooked rice often eaten with "Kabab Koobide" (something similar to Turkish kebab) or most Persian stews like "Ghorme Sabzi".
      The problem with a lot of traditional foods of middle east that are being cooked nowadays, is that the time and situation caused a lot of change to eat the ingredients are prepared, therefore it's just another dish with the same name as before(like 100 years ago). Perfect example is "Ghorme Sabzi"; "Ghorme" was the word used for small chunks of meat, cooked in rendered fat of itself and stored in huge vase-like pots to preserve through the time. And "Sabzi" means greens which is referring to herbs that were going to cook along with that meat.

  • @louisthomas8550
    @louisthomas8550 Před rokem +1

    Is that a sneak peek of Berenjak at the beginning? One of the best London restaurants I've been to.

  • @Aletheia_soul
    @Aletheia_soul Před 2 lety +4

    This looks freakin delicious, thanks for the recipee

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +3

      Thank you, it really was one of the most flavorful dishes I've had in a long time. I think this is going in my top 10 for the year

    • @Aletheia_soul
      @Aletheia_soul Před 2 lety +1

      @@MiddleEats Wow, then I have to add it to the must-do list, even If it's expensive the saffron! Here in my country less than a tsp of saffron costs around 4.51 usd dolars

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +2

      Saffron is very potent, so a little goes a long way. It's expensive here too, but I got a lot when I went to dubai. For any saffron recipe I find cutting the saffron in half still works, as it has a strong scent

  • @hossein3867
    @hossein3867 Před rokem +1

    Love your channel, I believe you need to add some saffron and yogurt to the oil at the bottom of the rice to make the best tahdig

  • @jacruick
    @jacruick Před rokem

    YUMMMMM !

  • @manofernando9918
    @manofernando9918 Před rokem

    We Sri Lankans Cook rice in a different way. Washed about 3 to 4 times and just add water about 1 inch above the rice. Let it boil until the water evaporates to the level of the rice, reduce the heat to between medium and low and cover with a lid. Just mix the rice to see whether all the water has gone away. Take away from fire, keep the lid on half closed until the rice cools down. Your rice is ready to eat.

  • @gabriellaamenta3412
    @gabriellaamenta3412 Před rokem

    Salam, love your videos. not Persian (half native american, half sicilian) but my husband is Iranian and I've learned Persian cuisine quite well. so here's a great hack!
    Okay so you know how dried prunes or apricots give a great tartness or (torsh in Persian) okay so spend a day making lavashak; Lavashak is a dried fruit extract. anyway I make it with sour prunes and lots of lemon. You could eat it plain but the hack is to cut your lavashak into tiny cubes and use it in sauces!!! Think of it as a homemade bouillon cube for tartness! its great because if you had whole dried prunes, yes, its effective but they don't melt and you have the tartness not 100% distributed, plus also you have seeds. This lavashak hack melts the tartness into your sauce and its great especially for flavors like fish with a strong fish flavor, gamey meats, or chicken. Really great in any sauce, esp good with zereshk polo ba morgh

  • @professoraviva4628
    @professoraviva4628 Před rokem +1

    Hi Obi. If you haven't done a video on mujadara hamra, please consider it! I'd love to see your detailed recipe for getting a good, dark & deeply flavored mujadara. I've been trying for years and can make a decent mujadara -- but it just doesn't compare to what I've had in some restaurants. :) There are so many different techniques for such a simple dish. But I haven't nailed it yet.

  • @medusagorgon8432
    @medusagorgon8432 Před rokem

    Not Persian/Iranian but I adore Persian rice, especially with barberries! I could literally eat it every day no problem!

  • @SFBenjaminK
    @SFBenjaminK Před rokem

    I LOOOOOVE those crispy rice in bottom & their chicken & meat kabobs , is the BEST

  • @nas8318
    @nas8318 Před 2 lety +5

    I had this dish 20 years ago and loved it. Ever since I've been hopelessly looking for its recipe but forgot its name. Thank you Obi and Salma for this.
    Question: you think we can replace cranberries for barberries if we can't find them?

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +4

      If you can't find them then I don't think it does much harm, however I would double the sugar as cranberries can be very bitter

    • @msalehi7564
      @msalehi7564 Před 2 lety +3

      My sister uses store bought sweetened cranberries when she doesn't have any barberries.

    • @su_vali
      @su_vali Před rokem +1

      Cranberries are much bigger than barberries and have an other tast. But online you can find a lot of Iran Shops where you can order barberries and all the other ingredients you need for cooking Iranian dishes.

  • @ribidimi
    @ribidimi Před rokem

    yes!

  • @AmirhoseinHerandy
    @AmirhoseinHerandy Před rokem +1

    One thing I want to emphasize is that it's incredibly important to use the best rice you can find. Persian rice while being similar to basmati is not basmati. If you can find authentic Persian rice (I've found some Canadian stores that sell them online, incredibly pricey though). Otherwise, I've heard doing a few cups of basmati with maybe one cup of jasmine rice and just adding maybe a teaspoon of rosewater works well too. The difference between even a great basmati rice and good Persian rice is noght and day imo. Also, do not skimp on the oil.

  • @storytime9617
    @storytime9617 Před rokem

    Try Carolina gold rice..its excellent

  • @andrekhodjamirian427
    @andrekhodjamirian427 Před rokem +1

    Excellent, I love the accent too. Zendeh bad !

  • @Flippokid
    @Flippokid Před rokem

    Your eyes look so much better!

  • @davidbrieske6148
    @davidbrieske6148 Před 2 lety +2

    Nice recipe!
    My method for the rice is to rinse it like you do, then put in water at a ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part rice. Bring it to the boil, then simmer until the water is at the level of the rice.
    Put a tight fitting lid on and remove from the heat. After 15 minutes you should have perfect rice.

    • @hibiscusflower5911
      @hibiscusflower5911 Před rokem

      What does it mean to “simmer until the water is at the level as the rice.”?

  • @shadowguard3578
    @shadowguard3578 Před 2 lety

    If you can get your hands on it a fantastic rice in flavor and ease of cooking is kalijeera rice or chiniguri rice. You will find my recommendation for this rice at a Bangladeshi or Indian grocery store. It’s very flavorful, the grains separate, and are fluffy, without the multiple steps.

  • @frankathebutterfly6343
    @frankathebutterfly6343 Před rokem +1

    share more persian dishes please

  • @rey.r1767
    @rey.r1767 Před 2 lety +1

    Zereshk Polo ba Morgh will be better with Shirazi salad or yogurt with cucumber and diced mint which is called mast o khiyar! You should try it next time. 😍💚

  • @thesavvyblackbird
    @thesavvyblackbird Před rokem

    Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream and Khiel’s Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Eye Cream are both excellent eye creams that really help dark circles and keep the eye area firm. The Biossance is great for day and brightens the under eye area while keeping it matte looking.

  • @gerdsfargen6687
    @gerdsfargen6687 Před rokem

    Sweet! Is it like a pulao?

  • @TelevsionCanyons
    @TelevsionCanyons Před rokem +1

    put some yoghurt in the oil on the bottom of the pot. it makes the tahdig crispy and fluffy.

  • @gfy2979
    @gfy2979 Před rokem +1

    He plugged microwave rice to trigger persians 10/10

  • @travelchannel304
    @travelchannel304 Před rokem +1

    So TrUE! That and discovering Ethiopian food!

  • @amirhhashemi
    @amirhhashemi Před rokem

    I am persian, you shouldn’t let the steam out of the pot before covering the lid with cloth, you cover the pot, turn up the heat at first but turn it down to low in a few minutes, and trust that the steam has built up, you can add a bit of hot water/butter mixture at first to the pot to increase the steam but you can never uncover the rice until donw

  • @gaudetjaja
    @gaudetjaja Před rokem

    If I can find the barberries I will try it. It's not that easy to find here but I think I've seen them in one of the indian shops that has some persian products.

  • @cripsnblood
    @cripsnblood Před rokem

    Yum

  • @GolDreadLocks
    @GolDreadLocks Před rokem +1

    Do you have the recipe for szabzi polo and keshmesh polo?

  • @JD-cf4or
    @JD-cf4or Před 2 lety +2

    Which restaurant did you get your inspiration from? Would love to try if it’s in London!

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +1

      Colbeh near Edgware Road. You need to ask them for Zereshk on your rice. Highly recommend their minced lamb Kebabs

    • @JD-cf4or
      @JD-cf4or Před 2 lety +1

      @@MiddleEats thank you brother! Excited to try it

  • @mesharyhd7646
    @mesharyhd7646 Před rokem

    Best basmati rice is basmati sella 1121 white and the rice should soak 1 hour in water then it will boil for 7 minutes then steamed for 1 hour

  • @selmaunsley6683
    @selmaunsley6683 Před 2 lety

    Just when you think you know how to do the rice, but never seen poking vents into it, so cheers for this

  • @hazelnut874
    @hazelnut874 Před rokem

    My mom always makes the saffron with ice cubes. She says it smells much better this way. Kind of like cold brew coffee.

  • @Yohaner_Rannaghar
    @Yohaner_Rannaghar Před rokem

    nice

  • @nimaakhtarkhavari8766

    On word for Persian food: sofistication...

  • @vinisheikh3498
    @vinisheikh3498 Před 5 měsíci

    Can pls share with us recipe for beef and chicken gyros that can be made at home,thank you

  • @AdamOmidpanah
    @AdamOmidpanah Před 2 lety +1

    My zereshk polow recipe is adapted from Najmieh's and quite different from yours Obi.
    First the powdered saffron is amenable to steeping in hot *rose* water to increase the aroma.
    After parcooking the rice and blanching, stop and stir fry the barberries as you have done. Then, for the tah dig, mix oil, yogurt, saffron water with about 2 handfulls of rice, and layer thickly at the bottom of the pot. Set the heat to medium to begin frying off the tahdig, then alternately layer with the parcooked rice, and barberries, toasted cumin is optional but I do not like it. Once complete, pour more oil on top, then more saffron rose water, and also the braising liquid from the roast chicken - which I use lime juice in place of tomato. Wrap the lid in the towel as you have done and seal the pot tightly with a weight on top to make a kind of primitive pressure cooker. Then cook on LOW heat for 70 minutes.
    The final tahdig is crisp and golden and LOADED with intense flavor - you realize why this is a big deal in persian cooking.

  • @kirttanr6873
    @kirttanr6873 Před 2 lety +9

    Barberry is a bit of a difficult ingredient to procure, can it be replaced with other dried sweet and sour berries such as chopped prunes or cranberries? Also amazing recipe

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +7

      I would say the closest thing taste wise is pomegranate, however it has a crunch due to the seed. If you can't find barberries online then substituting it makes sense

    • @zoidflanders1709
      @zoidflanders1709 Před 2 lety +2

      I've used cranberries before when making zereshk polo and while it's not a perfect replacement it is adequate.

    • @wez5385
      @wez5385 Před 2 lety

      Dried cranberries, dried black currants, or to keep it traditional, raiseins :)

    • @kjh23gk
      @kjh23gk Před 2 lety +2

      Barberry (AKA Berberis vulgaris) grows commonly in the UK. It's worth seeking out a local bush. Google for pics. You might even have one in your garden like I do.

  • @babyblue7798
    @babyblue7798 Před rokem

    oishi!

  • @borednow
    @borednow Před rokem

    5:50 polar bears have skin routines :D lol

  • @LARKXHIN
    @LARKXHIN Před 2 lety +2

    The first 3 minutes of cooking Persian rice is an entire thing to try on its own for a meal 👀

    • @MiddleEats
      @MiddleEats  Před 2 lety +2

      Yeah it's definitely a different technique. It's very much the same technique used through all of central Asia, Boil then Steam.

  • @binkao2938
    @binkao2938 Před rokem +2

    Idk if I’ve bought old crappy saffron before, but I usually have the problem of the saffron flavor not coming through in my cooking. Like I’ll put 0.5g for a single big portion of paella and not really taste it 😅 I’ve noticed the flavor come through much better in cold or room temperature leftovers though for some reason 🤔 Maybe it’s just my nose getting overwhelmed when preparing the food 🥴

    • @lexijs
      @lexijs Před rokem +1

      bloom it in warm water beforehand!!

  • @mustlebart
    @mustlebart Před rokem +2

    how can persian rice be underrated when anybody who ever had it loved it?
    thats like saying chinese noodles are underrated

  • @johncogan8689
    @johncogan8689 Před rokem +2

    3:13 That amount of saffron in that tin must have cost you the price of a small car. 0.5 grams in the UK (M&S) costs £9.00