Best 2 Zardalu Polo Persian Lamb And Apricot Pilaf Recipes

Zardalu polo persian lamb and apricot pilaf is a traditional Persian dish, bursting with vibrant flavors and a delightful blend of textures. This dish features tender lamb, sweet apricots, and fragrant basmati rice, all cooked together to create a harmonious and aromatic meal. Zardalu polo, meaning "apricot rice," captivates the senses with its bright orange hues, making it not only a culinary delight but also a visually stunning dish.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

LAMB AND APRICOT PILAF

Lamb and Apricot Pilaf image

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

Ingredients

2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into ½ inch cubes
3/4 cup dried apricot, chopped
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 green bell pepper, chopped coarse
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large tomatoes, peeled,seeded and chopped
1/4 cup blanched slivered almond, toasted
2 cups unconverted long-grain rice
1/4 cup raisins
Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

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 what’s left of the rice (5 layers in all).
Cook, covered, in 350F (175C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Serve with yoghurt.

APRICOT ALMOND PILAF

Apricot Almond Pilaf image

A sumptuous but easy Persian-inspired dish. Rosewater can be found in Middle Eastern groceries and in many large supermarkets. The carrot, saffron, and apricots make for a beautiful gold color. Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom along with the saffron, if desired.

Provided by JOHNTHEBEAR

Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes Pilaf

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small carrot, finely chopped
1 cup basmati rice
1 teaspoon salt
1 ⅞ cups water
¼ teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
1 tablespoon rose water
¼ cup dried apricots, diced
¼ cup slivered almonds

Steps:

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion and carrot until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in basmati rice and salt; cook and stir until rice is slightly opaque, about 3 minutes.
Pour in water; stir to combine. Mix in saffron threads, rose water, apricots, and almonds; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice has absorbed the liquid, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow pilaf to stand covered for 10 more minutes. Stir before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 289 calories, Carbohydrate 46 g, Cholesterol 15.3 mg, Fat 9.9 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 636.5 mg, Sugar 6.1 g

Tips:

Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh, ripe apricots and tender lamb for the best flavor.
Soak the rice: Soaking the rice before cooking helps to remove excess starch and results in fluffy, separate grains.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot: A heavy-bottomed pot will help to distribute heat evenly and prevent the rice from burning.
Layer the ingredients: Layering the rice, lamb, and apricots in the pot creates a more flavorful and visually appealing dish.
Use a low oven temperature: Cooking the pilaf at a low temperature allows the flavors to develop and prevents the rice from drying out.
Let the pilaf rest before serving: Letting the pilaf rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.

Conclusion:

Zardalu polo, also known as Persian lamb and apricot pilaf, is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The combination of tender lamb, sweet apricots, and fluffy rice creates a dish that is both satisfying and visually appealing. With careful attention to detail and the use of high-quality ingredients, you can easily make this classic Persian dish at home.