How to Prepare Nut Rice with Saffron Flavor: A Delightful Dish
Saffron Nut Pilaf Recipe
This article is recommended for all cooking enthusiasts!
Nut Rice, also known as Jewelled Rice or Marssah Polow, is a traditional and ceremonial dish from Azerbaijan. In this guide, we’ll delve into how to prepare this delicious recipe.
- Explore the nutritious ingredients in this dish.
- Learn about the benefits of consuming various types of nuts.
- Understand the nutritional properties of its ingredients.
- Discover tips for purchasing fresh and premium-quality nuts.
Let’s get started!
Nuts: Snacks or Superfoods?
Saffron Nut Pilaf Recipe
The answer is both! Nuts are powerhouses of energy and nutrients. They strengthen the body, boost immunity, and contribute to overall health. With healthy fats, nuts can even help reduce harmful cholesterol levels, protecting against heart diseases. Moreover, when consumed in moderation, nuts can aid weight management and combat anemia by increasing red blood cell production.
About Nut Rice
This dish may not be widely known across all parts of Iran but holds a special place in Azerbaijani culture, where it represents opulent hospitality. Combining various nuts with saffron—a prized Iranian spice—Nut Rice offers a rich flavor and numerous health benefits.
Ingredients
- Slivers of pistachios and almonds: 100g each
- Medium onions: 2
- Saffron: 1/2 tsp
- Dried apricots: 400g
- Boneless chicken: 300g (or 300g minced meat as an alternative)
- Rice: 250g
- Dried barberries: As desired
- Salt, pepper, and butter: As needed
Cooking Steps
Start by washing the dried apricots thoroughly and soaking them for 2 hours to soften. If using apricot slabs, soaking isn’t necessary. Rinse the barberries and let them dry.
Cook the rice and set it aside. Dice the chicken and sauté it with sliced onions, spices, and a portion of the saffron in butter until fully cooked. If opting for minced meat, form it into small balls, fry them in butter, and serve as a side to the rice. Dice the second onion, sauté it with apricots and butter, and lightly toast the barberries separately over low heat.
Layering and Final Cooking
Saffron Nut Pilaf Recipe
Mix the nuts, dried apricots, and barberries in a separate bowl. Layer the ingredients in a pot as follows: a layer of rice at the bottom, followed by a layer of the mixed nuts and fruits. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Cover with a steaming cloth and cook over low heat.
Serve alongside saffron-tinted chicken or meatballs for a complete meal. Decorate with larger nut pieces for a stunning final presentation!
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