Introducing a tantalizing dish straight from the heart of Persian cuisine – Persian Polo Chicken! 🍗🌿 This aromatic recipe, shared by a Persian neighbor whose kitchen always emanates delightful scents, promises to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the world of Persian flavors!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 500g basmati rice
- 1 onion
- 5 tbsp margarine or oil
- 1 roasting chicken
- 1 handful of raisins
- 150g dried apricots
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of margarine or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown and aromatic.
- Next, add the chicken pieces to the skillet and brown them evenly on all sides, infusing them with rich flavor.
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Season and Simmer:
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Toss in the raisins and dried apricots, allowing them to mingle with the chicken and absorb the savory juices.
- Sprinkle the chicken and fruit mixture with a generous teaspoon of cinnamon, adding a warm and fragrant note to the dish.
- Pour in enough water to cover the chicken and fruits, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer slowly until it becomes tender and succulent, and the sauce reduces to a luscious consistency.
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Prepare the Rice:
- While the chicken simmers, prepare the basmati rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, then drain.
- In a separate pot, cook the rice until it is partially cooked, ensuring it retains a slight bite and does not become fully tender.
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Layer and Steam:
- Grease the bottom of a large, heavy saucepan with 2 tablespoons of melted margarine or oil.
- Spread half of the partially cooked rice evenly over the bottom of the saucepan, creating a delicious base for the dish.
- Arrange the tender chicken pieces on top of the rice, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the rich and fruity sauce over the chicken and rice, infusing every bite with irresistible flavors.
- Cover the chicken and rice with the remaining partially cooked rice, creating a tantalizing layered effect.
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Steam to Perfection:
- Cover the saucepan with a clean cloth, ensuring it is tightly secured.
- Place the lid firmly on the saucepan and steam the dish over very low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the rice to become fluffy.
- The cloth will capture the steam rising from the rice, resulting in perfectly cooked and fluffy grains.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once steamed to perfection, remove the lid and cloth from the saucepan, revealing the fragrant and enticing Persian Polo Chicken.
- Gently mix the layers of rice and chicken together, ensuring each spoonful is bursting with flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy the symphony of spices and textures in this delectable Persian dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 943.6
- Fat: 41.2g
- Saturated Fat: 10.3g
- Cholesterol: 106.9mg
- Sodium: 276.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 105.9g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7.2g
- Protein: 36.1g
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Persian cuisine with this sensational Persian Polo Chicken recipe. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish is sure to delight your senses and leave you longing for more. Try it today and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the vibrant and aromatic flavors of the Middle East! 🌟🍴
