Saffron Chicken Recipe with TelefHow to Cook Saffron Chicken with Telf: A Unique and Flavorful Recipe

Saffron Chicken Recipe with Telef

Telf, known as qare-qorut in Persian, is a hidden gem in Iranian cooking. Its tangy, savory flavor and delightful aroma elevate many dishes, especially saffron chicken, to culinary masterpieces. This unique ingredient, made from dairy, creates a harmonious balance in taste. Here’s how to prepare saffron chicken with telf at home and savor its exceptional flavor.

Ingredients for Saffron Chicken with Telf

  • 5–6 pieces of chicken (breast or thighs)
  • 1 onion
  • Saffron, brewed, as needed
  • Salt, black pepper, and turmeric to taste
  • 100–150 grams of telf
  • 50 grams of butter

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Chicken

Start by chopping the onion and sautéing it in a suitable pot with some oil until golden. Then, add the chicken pieces and fry them for 5–7 minutes on each side until lightly browned.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Add Telf

Saffron Chicken Recipe with Telef

Once the chicken is golden, add spices, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Pour enough boiling water to cover the chicken, then add the brewed saffron. Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour until tender. Meanwhile, dissolve the telf in a small amount of boiling water. Once the chicken is cooked, add the dissolved telf and let it simmer for another 15 minutes to absorb its tangy flavor.

Pro Tips for Cooking with Telf

Saffron Chicken Recipe with Telef

To make your saffron chicken dish even more delightful, consider these tips:

  • Adjust the amount of telf based on your preference for tanginess. Increase the quantity for a sharper flavor.
  • Allow the dish to reduce by uncovering the pot in the last 15 minutes of cooking for a more concentrated flavor.
  • Taste the telf before adding it to the dish to ensure the desired balance of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve saffron chicken with telf alongside saffron rice and fresh vegetables for a complete, aromatic meal.

Other Ways to Prepare Saffron Chicken

Saffron chicken is a versatile dish with various recipes. From a simple saffron chicken to versions featuring raisins, barberries, or prunes, each variation brings its unique aroma and taste, perfect for different occasions.