Zereshk Polo

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• A pinch of Sadaf Saffron Threads 
• 1/4 cup Sadaf Rice Seasoning
• 1/4 cup Sadaf Barberries
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup Sadaf Grapeseed Oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add the rinsed rice to the pot, and stir in the rice seasoning and salt to taste.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
5. In a small pan, sauté the barberries with 1 tablespoon of Sadaf Grapeseed oil, until softened and slightly caramelized.
6. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and fluff it with a fork.
7. Stir in the sautéed barberries, slivered almonds, chopped pistachios, and chopped parsley.
8. Heat the remaining Sadaf Grapeseed oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
9. Once the oil is hot, pour it over the rice and stir well to combine.
10. Cover the pot and let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
11. Serve warm, garnished with additional slivered almonds, chopped pistachios, and chopped parsley if desired.

Note: Zereshk Polo is a traditional Persian dish and it's best served with grilled meat, chicken or fish. The barberries give a tangy flavor and a beautiful color to the dish, and the saffron, nuts and herbs give the dish a unique aroma and flavor.