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Saffron Chicken served with barberry rice and spices

Saffron and Spice Infused Chicken with Barberry Rice

A vibrant and heartwarming Middle Eastern dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with spices, served with fluffy basmati rice infused with tart barberries.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 6 pieces bone-in chicken (drumsticks or thighs)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.75 teaspoons turmeric
  • 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon cardamom
  • 0.25 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.25 teaspoon coriander
  • 0.125 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2.5 cups chicken stock
  • 0.5 cup saffron water (prepared)
  • to taste salt and pepper

For the Saffron Water

  • 0.25 teaspoon saffron, ground
  • 1 ice cube for saffron water

For the Rice

  • 1.5 cups dry basmati rice
  • 0.33 cup dried barberries
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 0.25 teaspoon sugar
  • remaining saffron water for rice

For the Shirazi Salad

  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 0.5 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 tablespoon juice of lemon
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

Preparation of Saffron Water

  • Sprinkle the saffron over an ice cube in a small dish and allow the ice cube to melt, releasing its color and flavor. Set aside for use.

Cooking the Chicken

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Season chicken with turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
  • Add chicken and chopped onion to the pot, browning the chicken on all sides.
  • Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, saffron water, and chicken stock.
  • Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 4 hours until tender.

Cooking the Rice

  • Prepare basmati rice according to package directions.
  • In a separate pan, heat butter, add barberries and sugar, cooking for 30 seconds.
  • Mix a portion of the rice with barberry mixture and reserved saffron water.
  • Layer this saffron rice over the plain steamed rice in a serving dish.

Making the Shirazi Salad

  • Combine diced cucumber, tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, lemon juice, mint, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Mix well and chill to let flavors meld.

Notes

Adjust spices according to taste. Consider using a pressure cooker for the chicken for faster cooking. Serve warm with fresh herbs, naan, or pita.
Keyword Barberry Rice, Easy Dinner Recipe, Middle Eastern Chicken, Saffron Chicken, Spiced Chicken