Sweet Afghani Rice With Lemon & Chicken (Zarda Palau)

May 22, 2023May 22, 20230 1
Sweet Afghani Rice With Lemon & Chicken (Zarda Palau)
in Main

Prep

15 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

55 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 lemon , thinly pealed rind of ( I grate the rind for ease )
water
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup ghee ( butter or oil )
1/4 cup blanched sliverd almonds
2 chicken breasts , quartered
sea salt
fresh ground black pepper
1 small cooking onion , sliced
1 1/4 cups white basmati rice
1/4 teaspoon saffron thread
1 tablespoon hot water
balkan yogurt ( to serve )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4-6
Calories
461
Sugar
28g
Fat
16g
Zarda Palau, or Sweet Afghani Rice With Lemon & Chicken, is a popular dish in Afghanistan and other countries in the region. It is often served at special occasions, such as weddings or religious ceremonies, and is a symbol of hospitality. This dish is loved for its fragrant aroma, beautiful color, and unique flavor profile. The combination of sweet and savory ingredients, along with the tender and juicy chicken, makes this a truly unforgettable meal. Whether you are looking to spice up your weeknight routine or impress guests at your next dinner party, Zarda Palau is sure to delight.

Instructions

1.In a medium-sized pot, place the lemon rind in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add 1/4 cup of sugar and stir until dissolved. Once dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and set aside.
2.Heat a large pan over medium heat, add ghee, and once it has melted, add the sliced almonds. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the almonds have turned golden brown. Remove the almonds from pan and set aside.
3.Raise the heat in the pan to medium-high and add in the quartered chicken breasts. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4.In the same pan, add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Add in the rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the lemon and sugar mixture and add enough additional water to cover the rice by about 1 inch. Add another 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and the saffron threads that have been soaked in hot water. Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked through.
5.Once the rice is cooked, place the chicken pieces back into the pan, along with the almonds. Mix the ingredients evenly and let it cook for another 5 minutes on medium-low heat.
6.Serve in a large platter and garnish with some additional almonds if desired. Add the balkan yogurt separately on the side.

PROS

Sweet Afghani Rice With Lemon & Chicken, or Zarda Palau, is a delicious, filling, and aromatic dish.
It combines sweet and savory flavors and is truly a feast for the senses.
This dish is great for entertaining guests and can be made in large quantities.
Each bite is full of flavor and texture, making it a satisfying meal.

CONS

This dish is relatively high in sugar and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.
Additionally, it requires a bit of preparation and steps to make, so it may not be the quickest or easiest option for a weeknight meal.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish contains chicken, which is an excellent source of protein. The almonds provide healthy fats, fiber, and Vitamin E. Saffron has been linked to improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression. The lemon rind used in this recipe also contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

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