Rice > Iranian

Apricot and Walnut Shirin Polo Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups water

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Small saucepan
- Mortar and pestle (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the rice several times until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes.

2. In a small saucepan, dissolve the saffron threads in 1/4 cup of hot water. Set aside.

3. In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and 1/2 tsp of salt. Cook for 5 minutes, then drain the rice and set aside.

4. In the same pot, melt the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped apricots, walnuts, sugar, and spices (cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Add the cooked rice to the pot and stir gently to combine with the apricot and walnut mixture.

6. Pour the saffron water over the rice and stir gently to distribute the saffron evenly.

7. Cover the pot with a lid and cook over low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.

8. Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.

9. Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish.


Time:
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Cook over low heat.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Total fat: 24g
Saturated fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 320mg
Total carbohydrates: 55g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 7g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of rice instead of basmati rice.
- You can use any dried fruit instead of apricots.
- You can use any type of nuts instead of walnuts.
- You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
- You can use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter.

Variations:
- You can add raisins, dates, or figs to the rice for extra sweetness.
- You can add sliced carrots or onions to the apricot and walnut mixture for extra flavor.
- You can add chicken or lamb to the rice for a complete meal.

Tips and tricks:
- Soaking the rice in cold water before cooking helps to remove excess starch and makes the rice fluffier.
- Use a fork to fluff the rice instead of a spoon to avoid crushing the grains.
- You can crush the saffron threads with a mortar and pestle before dissolving them in hot water to release more flavor.

Storage instructions:
Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the rice, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Transfer the rice to a large serving platter and garnish with chopped parsley, cilantro, or mint.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, mint)
- Pomegranate seeds
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios)

Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or lamb
- Roasted vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower)
- Salad with a citrus vinaigrette

Suggested side dishes:
- Yogurt with cucumber and mint
- Hummus with pita bread
- Baba ganoush with crudites

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is too dry, add a splash of water or broth and stir gently.
- If the rice is too wet, remove the lid and cook over low heat for a few more minutes to evaporate the excess liquid.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before eating.

Food history:
Shirin Polo is a traditional Persian rice dish that is typically served during special occasions such as weddings and holidays. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is a hallmark of Persian cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
This dish has a sweet and nutty flavor with hints of saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the rice as a side dish or as a main course with grilled meat or vegetables.

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Region: Persian

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Fruity, Aromatic