Zardalu Polo is a traditional Persian dish that combines the sweet and savory flavors of lamb, apricots, and basmati rice. Originating in the northern regions of Iran, this pilaf dish is a beloved comfort food often served during special occasions and family gatherings. The dish features tender pieces of lamb stewed in a flavorful sauce made with aromatic spices, dried apricots, and sometimes nuts. The lamb is then combined with fluffy basmati rice that has been cooked with saffron, butter, and various herbs. The result is a colorful and flavorful dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. In this article, we will explore two variations of Zardalu Polo: the classic recipe using lamb and a vegetarian version made with tofu. Both recipes provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure a delicious and authentic Zardalu Polo experience.
Let's cook with our recipes!
ZARDALU POLO - PERSIAN LAMB AND APRICOT PILAF
Make and share this Zardalu Polo - Persian Lamb and Apricot Pilaf recipe from Food.com.
Provided by LikeItLoveIt
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 1h5m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat butter in heavy pan and fry onion until golden.
- Add meat and brown on all sides.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, turmeric and cinnamon.
- Mix in raisins and apricots.
- Add water (about 3/4 cup) to cover.
- Cover and simmer over very low heat 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until meat is very tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent scorching, adding water if necessary.
- Texture should be thick but pourable.
- Boil 4 cups water, add 1/2 teaspoon salt and rice.
- Bring to boil again and boil 2 minutes, then reduce heat, cover pan and cook over low heat 10 to 15 minutes or until almost tender.
- Fluff with fork.
- Arrange rice and stew in alternate layers in heavy saucepan, beginning and ending with layers of rice.
- Set over very low heat, stretch clean cloth over pot and place cover over cloth.
- Steam 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
TURKISH LAMB PILAU
Serve up a basmati rice one pot flavoured with cinnamon, mint and apricot, studded with tender lamb
Provided by Good Food team
Categories Dinner, Lunch, Main course, Supper
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Dry-fry the pine nuts or almonds in a large pan until lightly toasted, then tip onto a plate. Add the oil to the pan, then fry the onion and cinnamon together until starting to turn golden. Turn up the heat, stir in the lamb, fry until the meat changes colour, then tip in the rice and cook for 1 min, stirring all the time.
- Pour in 500ml boiling water, crumble in the stock cube, add the apricots, then season to taste. Turn the heat down, cover and simmer for 12 mins until the rice is tender and the stock has been absorbed. Toss in the pine nuts and mint and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 584 calories, Fat 24 grams fat, SaturatedFat 9 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 65 grams carbohydrates, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 32 grams protein, Sodium 1.4 milligram of sodium
SLOW-ROAST PERSIAN LAMB WITH POMEGRANATE SALAD
This sweet, meltingly-tender lamb makes a show-stopping dinner party dish
Provided by Barney Desmazery
Categories Dinner, Main course
Time 3h50m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. In a small bowl, mix the molasses with the cumin, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. Scatter the onion over a casserole dish or a deep roasting tin. Place the lamb on top of the onions. Pour the glaze over the lamb. Rinse the bowl out with about 200ml water, then pour it around - not over - the lamb.
- Cover the dish with a lid or the tin with a large piece of foil. Roast the lamb, undisturbed, for 3 hrs, then remove the lid or foil and continue to roast for 30 mins to give the lamb colour. When the lamb has had its time, pour off the juices, remove as much fat as possible, then pour the juices back over the lamb.
- Just before serving, gently toss all the salad ingredients together. Serve the lamb with its sauce, the salad and some warmed flatbreads.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 554 calories, Fat 39 grams fat, SaturatedFat 18 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 15 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 13 grams sugar, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 37 grams protein, Sodium 0.35 milligram of sodium
LAMB AND APRICOT PILAF
Make and share this Lamb and Apricot Pilaf recipe from Food.com.
Provided by evelynathens
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large skillet, sauté one of the onions in the oil and 1 tblsp of the butter over moderate-high heat until browned lightly and transfer it with a slotted spoon to a bowl.
- Brown the lamb in batches, transferring it to the bowl.
- Return lamb mixture to skillet, add the apricots and stock, and simmer the mixture, covered, for 1 hour, or until lamb is very tender.
- In another skillet, sauté the remaining onion, green pepper and the garlic in the remaining 4 tblsps butter over moderate-high heat until the onion begins to brown.
- Stir in the almonds, tomato, raisins and the rice and cook over moderate heat, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until rice is slightly translucent.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and 4 cups of water.
- Bring to the boil and simmer, covered, 12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- In a large casserole, spread 1/3 of the rice mixture in an even layer.
- Spoon ½ the lamb mixture over rice.
- Top with half the remaining rice, the lamb and whats left of the rice (5 layers in all).
- Cook, covered, in 350F (175C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes.
- Serve with yoghurt.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. This will make all the difference in the flavor of your dish. Look for fresh, organic ingredients whenever possible.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make zardalu polo. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and cooking methods to suit your own taste.
- Make sure the rice is cooked properly. The rice should be fluffy and tender, but not mushy. If you're not sure how to cook rice, there are many online resources that can help you.
- Let the dish rest before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop.
- Serve zardalu polo with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include yogurt, mint, and sumac.
Conclusion:
Zardalu polo is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a great way to use up leftover lamb or chicken, and it's also a perfect dish for entertaining. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, you're sure to love this classic Persian dish.
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