Zereshk Polo Morgh

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Basmati Rice
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 4 tbsp Barberries
• 500 g Chicken Thigh
• 45 g Butter
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Turmeric
• 0.75 tsp Black Pepper
• 2.3333333333333335 tbsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 3.46 l Water
• 2 tbsp Parsley
• 1 pcs Onion
• 0.5 tsp Saffron

Method

1. Rinse {basmati_rice} until the water runs mostly clear, then soak it in a bowl with {water} and a generous pinch of {kosher_salt} so the grains elongate and cook up fluffy.
2. Crush {saffron}, cover with a little near-boiling {water}, and let it steep until deeply colored and intensely aromatic.
3. Thinly slice {onion} and pat {chicken_thigh} dry with paper towels so it browns instead of steaming.
4. Heat {olive_oil} in a wide pot over medium-high heat. Season {chicken_thigh} with {kosher_salt} and {black_pepper}, then sear without crowding for several minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Reduce to medium heat in the same pot, add {onion} with a pinch of {kosher_salt}, and cook until deep golden. Add {turmeric} and cook briefly until fragrant, then stir in {tomato_paste} and fry until darker and sweet-smelling. Return {chicken_thigh}, add {water} and a little {saffron}, and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Cover and braise {chicken_thigh} over low heat until very tender and the sauce is lightly reduced. Taste and adjust with {kosher_salt}, {black_pepper}, and {lemon_juice} for balance.
7. Bring a large pot of {water} to a boil, season it well with {kosher_salt}, drain {basmati_rice}, and boil until the grains are flexible at the edges but still firm in the center.
8. Drain {basmati_rice}. Heat {olive_oil} and a little {butter} in a nonstick pot over medium heat, add a thin layer of rice to start the crust, then mound in the rest. Drizzle over more {butter} and most of the bloomed {saffron}, wrap the lid with a clean towel, and steam on very low heat until the rice is fluffy and a golden tahdig forms.
9. Melt {butter} in a small skillet over low heat, add {barberries}, {sugar}, and the remaining {saffron}, and toss briefly until the berries plump and shine without scorching.
10. Spoon {basmati_rice} onto a platter, scatter over {barberries}, nestle alongside {chicken_thigh} with some sauce, and finish with {parsley} for freshness and contrast.