Albaloo Polo, Sour Sweet Cherry Rice
Cherry Rice, or Albaloo Polo is a celebration, a fusion of sweet and savory, marrying the tartness of cherries with the fragrance of Persian rice, improved to perfection by the use of aromatic spices. Cherry Rice not only promises an explosion of flavors but also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors. If you want to elevate your rice game to the next step, you are at the right place. Cherry rice can be a great addition to any chicken dish, Persian Stews, or even Kababs.
Table of Contents
What Do You Need for Cherry Rice?
Sour Cherries:
The jewel in the crown of this dish, sour cherries brings a delightful sourness and a burst of color to the rice. Fresh cherries are preferred for their natural sweetness and vibrant color, but when not in season, you can use tart cherries preserved in syrup or even frozen cherries.
It is a great source of C vitamins, B vitamins, manganese, copper, magnesium, and vitamin K.
Rice:
Persian rice is like the perfect background, allowing the flavors of the cherries and spices to shine through. You can also make the rice both as Chello (cook – strain – steam), or Pollo (simply steam cooked.) Saffron can make the rice golden and the cherries will make it red, providing a gorgeous combination. For a more nutritious option, you can use brown rice, or enriched rice to add more nutrients to your diet.
Meat (Optional):
You can make your dish more complex using tender cuts of chicken, or lamb. Juicy pieces of Chicken are usually the most popular option for Cherry rice. Another option can be tiny meatballs similar to Kalam Polo Shirazi. You can use the meat on top alongside nuts, saffron rice, and cherries to decorate your dish. Those who prefer a vegetarian version can just forget about the meat and use pistachios walnuts, almonds, or chickpeas.
Spices and Nuts:
A blend of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron enhances the rice making it aromatic, and elevating the dish to a whole new level. Almonds and pistachios add crunch and richness and can be great additions for decoration. A hint of orange zest brings a refreshing note that balances the dish and also plays an aesthetic role. But remember that saffron is the main spice that gives Albaloo Polo a special color and taste.
Ingredients for 4:
2 cups Persian rice
2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or preserved)
1 pound chicken, or lamb(optional)
1 large onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup almonds and pistachios, slivered
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
A pinch of saffron strands, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water
Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2-3 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
Step 1: Rinsing rice
Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water with 2-3 tablespoons of salt for at least 30 minutes. This step helps your dish to avoid getting mushy.
Step 2: Cooking the optional meat
In a large pot, sauté the chicken or meat (if using) without oil at first and then adding diced onions in oil until the meat is browned and the onions are golden. Season with salt, pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon.
Step 3: Cooking cherries
Cook the sour cherries in a separate pan with a little sugar until they soften slightly and release their juices. For a more intense flavor, you can also add a splash of cherry syrup or a little lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Step 4: Layering
Drain the rice and add it to a pot of boiling water. Cook to the point before it gets soft, then drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Layer the rice and cherry mixture in the pot, starting and ending with a layer of rice. Sprinkle the saffron water over the top layer for a golden hue and aromatic flavor.
Step 5: Steaming the Rice
Cook the rice on low heat, allowing it to steam with the lid tightly covered. A kitchen towel wrapped around the lid absorbs excess moisture, ensuring the rice is perfectly cooked.
Step 6: Garnish
Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork, mixing the cherries through. Garnish with orange zest and nuts. You can add your optional meat on top as well.
Is Albaloo Polo Vegetarian/Vegan?
Yes. You can easily forget about the meat and double the nuts for added protein. You can serve it alongside any vegan or vegetarian stew, salad, or cauliflower steak. Tofu can also be a nice option, you can chop it up and make it like we mentioned in the Persian Omellete recipe.
