page_title: Shirin polo
section_title: Preparation
hierarchical_section_title: Shirin polo / Preparation
caption_attribution_description: Հայերեն: Պարսկական բրինձը թրջւել է նախքան փլաւ եփելը English: Persian rice soaked before cooking
context_page_description: Shirin polo, also commonly known as Persian wedding rice, or Rosh Hashanah rice, is a traditional Persian Jewish rice pilaf that is commonly served to mark special occasions such as weddings, Purim, Pesach, Rosh Hashanah and the high holidays.
context_section_description: Shirin polo is typically prepared in a very unique method compared to other dishes made with rice. Rice such as basmati, jasmine, or other long-grain rice is soaked in cold water for several hours or even overnight. The rice is drained and rinsed, and added to boiling water where it is boiled to an al dente consistency similar to pasta. The rice is drained in a colander once more, and a slotted spoon is used to fluff the grains and help them steam somewhat. A mixture is made containing water, cooking oil, saffron or turmeric, sometimes along with other spices and seasoning. Oftentimes a pinch of saffron or turmeric is added to the bottom of a pot, the rice is then poured into the pot and the reserved water-oil-spice mixture is poured on top of the rice. The pot of rice is then covered with a kitchen towel that has been secured to the lid. The rice is left to cook over low heat, ountil the grains are cooked through and steamed throughout. Variants featuring a tahdig, or a crispy yellow rice crust, are often cooked for several hours until the tahdig is formed. Once the shirin polo is finished cooking and is ready to serve, it is carefully unmoulded onto a serving platter and the shards of the tahdig, or crispy rice, are placed on top as a garnish. The Persian wedding rise is then topped with a wide variety of dried fruits, such as apricots, barberries, dates, prunes, and nuts such as pistachio, almond, walnut, or hazelnuts. Depending on the family, the dried fruits and nuts may be left whole or chopped, as different families have different traditions concerning this with some preferring them dried fruits and nuts to be left whole, while others prefer them to be chopped into smaller pieces.
caption: Rice soaking for shirin polo
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