Saffron rice scattered with barberries fried in butter and a little sugar — jewel-red and sharp — usually served with chicken.
What makes it zereshk polo
Barberries, fried briefly so they don't scorch.
Saffron through part of the rice.
Chicken braised with onion, turmeric and saffron alongside.
Where it comes from
Barberries — zereshk — are small, sour red berries, sold dried, and most of Iran's are grown in South Khorasan. Fried quickly in butter with a little sugar, they're strewn over saffron rice and served with chicken braised with onion, turmeric and saffron: a dish for weddings and guests.
How it varies
Morasa polo
Jewelled rice — barberries with pistachios, almonds, orange peel and more, for weddings.