Morasa Polo
Morasa Polo is a Persian dish made with fragrant basmati rice, mixed with saffron, orange zest, and a variety of colorful dried fruits and nuts.
Ingredients - Serves 6
- 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
Let's Get Started
- Wash the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add half of the cooked rice to the pot with the dried fruits. Mix gently to combine.
- 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.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the fruit and rice layers together.
- Transfer the Morasa Polo to a serving dish and garnish with chopped pistachios and sliced almonds.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Dietary Info
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 60g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Sugar: 20g