- How to Prepare:
- Soak ½-1 cup of berries in cold water for at least 20 minutes.
- Collect the berries from the top of the water; pour out old water, and change over the water until no residue remains at the bottom of the washing bowl.
- Repeat the cold-water rinsing process at least 6-8 times.
- This is critical because there is a lot of sand in these berries, and soaking the berries, with repeat rinsing will help to get rid of the sand, which will end up crunching under your teeth!
- Only use cold water, and try placing a sieve in the water to make it easier to collect the berries from the top each time you rinse & repeat.
- Drain the berries until ready to cook.
- Heat 1 Tbsp of grapeseed or avocado oil on medium-high heat in a sauce pan
- Once the oil has heated up, add the berries and begin mixing rapidly, so as to not burn.
- While stirring the berries, add 1-3 Tbsp of organic honey to taste.
- Keep berries on heat no longer than 5-7 min, or until plump & dark red in color.
- Barberries are naturally very sour, so if you need a little more sweetness to balance this out, use as much honey as you like to your taste preference.
- Make your rice with a side of chicken, or lentils / legumes / beans.
- We usually make it with a side of saffron lemon chicken.
- Add the cooked berries on top of your rice to your quantity and taste preferences, or if you're like me, you can add the rice to your berries! 🙂
“Zereshk Polo” (AKA: Persian Barberry Rice)
