The Real Taste of Persia: Mama Shahla’s Zereshk Polo

“The Scent of Home – The Story Behind Zereshk Polo”

Before we dive into the story, the recipe for this delicious and nostalgic dish awaits you at the end of the text. The real joy of the food doubles when you read the story behind it. So enjoy both the story and the recipe.

I was six years old when I first realized that food could have feelings.

One pleasant afternoon in Shiraz, the sky was bright blue and full of white clouds. A gentle breeze came from the green mountains, and the scent of basil spread through the alleys of Shiraz.

The kitchen windows were fogged up from the steam of the rice pot. I was sitting on a stool, swinging my leg, mesmerized watching my mother sauté the ruby-red barberries in hot butter with a bit of sugar.

She smiled and said, “Barberry is like life—it’s sour, but if you know how to handle it, it becomes sweet.”

At the moment the scent of saffron rose from the steam, the rice was served like a work of art: layers of white and golden rice with shining barberries and slivered almonds. The chicken, with its saffron and tomato sauce, sat beside the plate like a royal crown.

That day I understood that food is not just taste—it’s memory, love, and roots. Whenever I make Zereshk Polo, no matter where I am, I go back to that kitchen at home, to my mother’s gentle voice, and to the taste of home.

My mother always used to say, “Zereshk Polo needs heart, not just a recipe.”
Now, I share that love and passion with you.

How to Make Zereshk Polo with Chicken:
• Parboiled rice
(Rice, water, salt, oil)
• Sautéed barberries
(Barberries, butter or oil, a bit of sugar, rosewater, slivered pistachios)
• Chicken cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce
Chicken sauce includes:
Fried onions, tomato paste, pomegranate paste, bell pepper, carrot, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, turmeric, saffron, and hot water
• Don’t forget the golden tahdig!
(Butter, saffron, and rice)

• A spoonful of love—from Shiraz.

“Try making it once and tell me how this traditional Persian dish made you feel.”

🌟 Experience the home scent and story behind Zereshk Polo with me!

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