"Albaloo Polo": Persian Rice with Sour Cherries and Saffron

Albaloo Polo is a refined and colorful Persian rice dish where the sweet and tangy flavor of sour cherries (krieken) beautifully blends with saffron. This festive dish is often served with juicy chicken or spiced meatballs.

Whether you're a fan of Persian cuisine or looking for a new and exciting rice dish, Albaloo Polo offers the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

Serves 2 (as a main dish)

⏳ 1 hour preparation time

Ingredients

🌼 For the yellow saffron rice:

• 150g cooked basmati rice

• 1 tablespoon hot water

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tablespoon yogurt

• 1 capsule saffron powder

🍒 For the pink cherry rice:

• 150g cooked basmati rice

• 1 jar sour cherries with juice (350g)

• 1 tablespoon butter

🥩 For the meatballs:

• 250g ground beef

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon chickpea flour

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon curry powder

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon paprika powder

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder

• 3 fresh mint leaves, chopped

• Olive oil for frying

🌿 For garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios

Instructions

✨ Yellow saffron rice:

1. Start with pre-cooked rice.

2. Mix the saffron powder with hot water, then stir in the yogurt and egg yolk.

3. Combine this mixture with the rice until fully coated.

   
   

✨ Pink cherry rice:

1. Pour the jar of cherries with its juice into a saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes until the juice thickens into a syrup.

2. Remove the cherries from the syrup and set them aside for garnish.

3. Add the butter to the syrup and let it melt.

4. Place the cooked rice in a sieve over a bowl.

5. Pour the cherry syrup over the rice, collecting the excess liquid.

6. Repeat until the rice turns a beautiful pink color and absorbs the sweet-sour flavor.

✨ Meatballs:

1. Mix all the ingredients together.

2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs.

3. Fry in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through.

✨ Serving:

1. Arrange the two types of rice in a creative pattern.

2. Top with the meatballs, cherries, and chopped pistachios.

3. Get creative with the presentation!