Saffron chicken is a popular dish across all middle-eastern cultures. It is unsurprising considering how fragrant and delicious it is, but perhaps the most delectable and famous is that of Iran’s Morgh Saffroni, also known as Persian Saffron Chicken.
Here at Halal Origins, we love to bless you with great recipes, especially when they are deeply embedded in our culture, and the finest ingredients to cook them with.
In this blog post we will share our favourite Saffron Chicken recipe and give you a peek into its rich history across the middle-eastern world.
Let’s start with Iran.
Persian Cuisine
Iran’s rich cultural history, including its cuisine, can be traced back to the Persian empire. It was heavily influenced by the cultures that it traded and fought with, which spanned as far as Egypt, India, Greece, and beyond.
Persian cuisine is renowned for its balance of sweet and savoury flavours, the use of fresh herbs and fragrant spices. Persian cooking often revolves around the use of ingredients such as rice, lamb, chicken, fish, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Dishes are typically slow-cooked to allow the flavours to meld together, resulting in meals that are deeply aromatic and satisfying.
Some of the most famous Persian dishes include:
Kebabs: Some of the most famous Persian dishes include:
Stews (Khoresht): Slow-cooked stews made with meat, vegetables, and sometimes fruits, served over rice.
Pilafs and Rice Dishes: Including the famous Tahdig, the crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pot, and Zereshk Polo, rice with barberries and saffron.
Ash: Hearty soups made with herbs, beans, and sometimes meat.
One of the most notable ingredients used in Persian cuisine is Saffron. You can barely mention Persian food without conjuring thoughts of saffron’s smell and taste.
Saffron’s significance in Persian culture and cooking
Saffron has been used in Persian cooking for over 3,000 years. The spice is believed to have originated in the region that is now Iran, which explains why Iran is one of the largest producers and exporters of saffron in the world. In fact, it is commonly referred to as "red gold" due to its high value and cultural significance to the region
Historically, it was not only prized for its culinary uses but also for its medicinal properties and as a dye both inside and outside the kitchen. It quickly became a key ingredient in the Persian kitchen, symbolising luxury, prestige, and warm hospitality.
In the Kitchen
In Persian cuisine, saffron is used to add a rich golden colour and a distinctive earthy, slightly floral flavour to dishes. It is commonly used in rice dishes like Chelo or Polo, stews, desserts like Sholeh Zard (saffron rice pudding), and in beverages. Saffron is also used as a garnish to add visual appeal to dishes.
Qualities and Health Benefits of Saffron
Saffron is derived from the stigma of the Crocus Sativus flower. The spice is labour-intensive to harvest, as each flower only produces three stigmas, which must be hand-picked. This meticulous process contributes to saffron's prestige and high price.
Saffron’s qualities are numerous. It is often praised for its flavour, colour and health benefits.
Flavour: Saffron has a complex flavour profile that is slightly sweet, earthy, and floral, with a touch of bitterness. It is said to add flavour and balance to dishes.
Colour: It imparts a vivid golden-yellow hue to dishes as is often used to add to the visual appeal of food.
Aroma: The aroma is subtle yet distinctive, often described as honey-like with grassy or hay-like notes. The smell of saffron infused dishes welcomes your appetite and gets your mouth watering. It’s one of the reasons that restaurants have these dishes on display counters.
Health Benefits: Saffron is rich in antioxidants such as crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol, which help protect cells against oxidative stress and inflammation. counters.
Mood Enhancement: Studies suggest that saffron may help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. It's sometimes referred to as the "sunshine spice" because of its potential effects on mood.
Improved Digestion: Saffron can aid digestion and reduce symptoms of bloating and gas.
Heart Health: The antioxidants in saffron can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve overall heart health.
Potential Anti-Cancer Properties: Some studies indicate that the compounds in saffron may have potential in preventing or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
Menstrual Health: Saffron is traditionally used to help relieve menstrual discomfort and regulate menstrual cycles.
Saffron Chicken - a fan favourite across the Middle-East
Whichever part of the Middle-East you are fortunate to visit, you will undoubtedly find a beautiful saffron chicken dish on the menu, so to make things easier for you, we thought we would share their unique names and flavours so there is no chance of you missing them.
Turkey - Safranlı Tavuk
In Turkish cuisine, saffron is used to marinate chicken, often with a combination of garlic, lemon, and olive oil. The dish might be cooked as a stew or baked, and is often served with rice or bulgur.
Morocco - Djej Mqualli
Moroccan saffron chicken is usually prepared as part of a tagine, a slow-cooked stew made with saffron, preserved lemons, olives, and other spices like ginger and cumin. The dish is rich in flavour and typically served with couscous or bread.
Lebanon - Djej be Saffarjal
In Lebanese cuisine, this dish often includes quince (saffarjal) alongside the saffron chicken, adding a sweet and tangy flavour. It's a dish that is usually cooked in a stew and served with rice.
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Must read: Chicken or Lamb Tagine, A Moroccan Delight
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Afghanistan - Zamarud Palaw
This Afghan dish features saffron chicken served with a pilaf that often includes spinach or other greens. The chicken is typically marinated with saffron, garlic, and a mix of spices before being cooked.
India (Mughlai Influence) - Zafrani Murgh
Under the influence of Persian cuisine, saffron chicken is also popular in Mughlai cuisine in India. The chicken is marinated in a saffron yoghurt mix with spices and is usually cooked in a rich, creamy gravy.
Saudi Arabia - Ruz Bukhari
While this dish is primarily known for its spiced rice, saffron is used to flavour both the chicken and rice. The chicken is often marinated in a mixture that includes saffron and then grilled or baked.
United Arab Emirates - Majboos Dajaj
In the UAE, this dish features saffron as part of the spice blend for the chicken, which is often slow-cooked with rice and vegetables, somewhat similar to biryani but with distinct flavours of the region.
Now, if all this talk of Saffron Chicken hasn’t got your mouth watering, then not even Halal Origins can help you, but we know it did, so let’s get you that recipe so you can turn your kitchen into a fragrant relic of the Persian empire.
The recipe
Serves 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halal, of course)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
1/4 cup warm water
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup plain yoghurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Sliced almonds or pistachios for garnish (optional)
Steamed basmati rice for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Saffron:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in warm water. Allow it to steep for 5-10 minutes until the colour is vibrant and the aroma is released.
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg, then add it to the flour mixture. Gradually add the ice water, a little at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavour.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the sliced onions until golden brown and caramelised. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice golden colour.
- Once cooked, return the caramelised onions to the pan and mix with the chicken,allowing the flavours to meld together for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
- Place the saffron chicken on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and, if desired, sprinkle with sliced almonds or pistachios for added texture and flavour.
- Serve the chicken with steamed basmati rice and a side of grilled tomatoes for a complete meal.
Tips:
Saffron Quality: Use high-quality saffron for the best flavour and colour. Remember, a little saffron goes a long way!
Meat Quality: The quality of your chicken will ultimately determine the quality of your dish, so do not compromise. Halal Origins offers the highest quality, organic, halal chicken for you and your family to enjoy.
Overnight Marination: Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavours, making the dish even more aromatic and delicious. If you can hold out, it’s definitely worth doing.
Serving Suggestion: Pair the dish with a simple Shirazi salad (cucumber, tomato, onion, and lemon juice) for a refreshing contrast.
Final Thoughts
You can’t go wrong with this Saffron Chicken dish (terrible cooks not accounted for here). It offers depth in flavour, cultural history and prestige. This dish will certainly impress your dinner guests, whether they are from the Middle-East or not, and you will certainly want to make it a staple in your household menu.
Halal Origins loves this dish and we only make it with the finest ingredients. All of our chicken is sourced from local organic farms that care for and slaughter the animals in accordance with our Islamic traditions and beliefs.
Get yours delivered by tomorrow by ordering before 3 pm today; you’ll be glad that you did.