Shirin Polo with a Tangy Twist: Cranberries, Cherries, and Citrus (Plus a Sweet Surprise!)

This recipe puts a delightful spin on the classic Persian jeweled rice dish, Shirin Polo. We'll be swapping the traditional raisins for tart cranberries or cherries, adding a burst of citrus with orange zest, and introducing a secret sweet surprise for an extra flavor dimension!

Ingredients:

2 cups basmati rice

4 cups water

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup pistachios

1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup orange zest

Pinch of saffron threads (soaked in 2 tbsp hot water)

Salt to taste

1/4 cup dried barberries (optional - the secret sweet surprise!)

Instructions:

Rinse the basmati rice in cold water several times until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in 4 cups of water with 1 tbsp salt for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the almonds and pistachios, toasting them until golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.

In the same pan, add another tbsp of oil and the sliced carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened slightly. Add the cranberries/cherries, orange zest, and sugar. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sugar to caramelize slightly.

Drain the soaked rice. In a large pot, heat the remaining oil over medium heat. Add half of the rice and spread it evenly. Top with the carrot mixture, then add the remaining rice. Season with salt.

Gently pour the saffron water (including the saffron threads) over the rice. Add 1/2 cup of hot water (or enough to just barely cover the rice). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and steam the rice for 45-50 minutes, or until cooked through.

 If using barberries, gently fold them into the cooked rice just before fluffing it with a fork.

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with the toasted nuts and enjoy your sweet and tangy Shirin Polo!

Tips:

For a richer flavor, substitute half of the vegetable oil with melted butter.

Don't have saffron? You can substitute 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder for a similar yellow color.

This twist on Shirin Polo is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors, unique flavors, and hidden sweet surprise!