Morasa Polo

Ingredients

• Water - 4 cups
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Butter - 4 tablespoons
• Raisins - 1/4 cup
• Almonds - 1/4 cup, sliced
• Pistachios - 1/4 cup, chopped
• Dried cherries - 1/4 cup
• Dried apricots - 1/2 cup, chopped
• Dried cranberries - 1/2 cup
• Orange zest - 1 tablespoon
• Saffron threads - 1/2 teaspoon
• Basmati rice - 2 cups

Instructions

1. Wash the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water.
3. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice, salt, and saffron water. Cook for 5 minutes, then drain the rice.
4. In a separate pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the orange zest and dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, cherries, and raisins). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the fruits are slightly softened.
5. Add half of the cooked rice to the pot with the dried fruits. Mix gently to combine.
6. Layer the remaining rice on top of the fruit and rice mixture. Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and place the lid on top. Cook over low heat for 30-35 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and become fluffy.
7. Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
8. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the fruit and rice layers together.
9. Transfer the Morasa Polo to a serving dish and garnish with chopped pistachios and sliced almonds.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!