Barberry rice (zereshk polow) recipe - Iranian (Persian) Cuisine

Known as "celebration rice" or "jewelled rice", this is often cooked for weddings. It is made with wild, red barberries (zereshk), which give the dish its jewel-like appearance and an exotic, slightly tart taste. It is usually served with chicken, as it is in this recipe – the chicken, while delicious, is considered the accompaniment and the rice is the centrepiece. Ingredients 4 cups long-grain rice, rinsed 3 tbsp salt, plus 1 tsp salt extra 3 pinches saffron threads sugar frac