Skip to content

Iran · Food

Albaloo Polow (Sour Cherry Rice)

90 min
750 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Albaloo Polow (Sour Cherry Rice)🇮🇷AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

1 match

This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Rice dish45 recipes from 16 countries

A vibrant and festive Persian jewel-toned rice dish featuring tart sour cherries and tender chicken. It is a harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors, highly prized for special occasions.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Albaloo Polow from another cuisine is Ouzi (Lebanon): the two share 40% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping list
Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Pit the sour cherries and simmer them in a small saucepan with 100g of sugar over medium heat for 10 minutes until they soften.

  • 2

    Sauté the cubed chicken breast in a skillet with 20g of butter and the diced onion until golden brown and cooked through.

  • 3

    Parboil 400g of rinsed basmati rice in a large pot of salted boiling water for 6-8 minutes until tender but firm to the bite.

  • 4

    Drain the rice thoroughly using a fine-mesh colander, shaking off excess water to prevent mushiness.

  • 5

    In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt 30g of butter and spread a thin layer of rice across the bottom to create the crispy 'tahdig'.

  • 6

    Layer the remaining rice and the syrupy cherries alternately in the pot, then nestle the cooked chicken into the center.

  • 7

    Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel under the lid and steam on very low heat for 45 minutes to fluff the grains.

  • 8

    Before serving, dissolve saffron in a tablespoon of hot water and drizzle over a portion of the white rice for a beautiful color contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Albaloo Polow?

Albaloo Polow is an Iranian rice dish consisting of basmati rice layered with pitted sour cherries, sugar, and saffron, typically served with cooked chicken. It is often consumed as a main course during festive gatherings or special family dinners.

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, frozen pitted sour cherries work perfectly if thawed and drained of excess water.

What is the secret to a good tahdig?

Ensure the heat is set to the lowest possible setting to allow the crust to form without burning the rice.

Is chicken necessary?

While traditional, you can substitute with meatballs or omit it for a vegetarian version.

Can I use dried cherries?

Dried cherries are too chewy; if using them, rehydrate in hot water for at least an hour before use.

All Mundo matches

Lebanon

Keep exploring