National Dish Azerbaijan: Shirin Plov (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Shirin Plov, the sweet celebration rice of Azerbaijan! Long grains of fluffy rice are folded through a glossy tumble of dried apricots, raisins and dates, then lifted with warm spices and a handful of fresh herbs. It is a dish built for feast days and full tables, where every mouthful carries a little of the country’s famous hospitality. Bring that sense of occasion to your own kitchen.
About Shirin Plov
Shirin Plov, also known as sweet plov, is a memorable rice dish served at festive occasions all across Azerbaijan. The pairing of long-grain rice with a medley of dried fruit — apricots, raisins and dates — brings a gentle sweetness that sits beautifully against the warmth of the spices. A scattering of freshly chopped herbs then adds a bright, green lift to the whole plate. It is this exquisite balance that has made Shirin Plov a symbol of Azerbaijani hospitality, and a natural companion to celebration classics such as Toyuq Plov.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g long-grain rice
- 100 g dried apricots
- 100 g raisins
- 50 g almonds
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- 1 bunch fresh herbs (tarragon, dill, coriander)
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for Shirin Plov are easy to find in most grocery shops or at international markets. When buying the dried fruit, look for plump, good-quality pieces, as they have a decisive influence on the flavour of the finished dish. For the rice, stick to long-grain rice: it takes on the aromas well and gives you exactly the right texture. Fresh herbs, which do so much to refine the plov, are best picked up at a market stall or a specialist herb shop.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking Shirin Plov, take a moment to get everything ready. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to wash away the excess starch, then leave it to soak for around 30 minutes. Meanwhile, soak the dried fruit in warm water so it softens and can release its sweetness into the rice. Roughly chop the herbs as well, so they are ready to fold through the dish at the very end.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring the soaked rice to the boil in a pan of fresh water with the cinnamon stick, and cook until almost tender.
- Heat the butter in a frying pan, add the soaked dried fruit and the almonds, and sauté briefly.
- Add the spices, including the cumin, and stir everything together well.
- Tip the almost-cooked rice into a large bowl with the fruit mixture and fold through carefully.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Shirin Plov is naturally gluten-free, provided you check that every ingredient you use is gluten-free too. For a lactose-free version, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative — these are stocked in most supermarkets these days. Small adjustments like these mean the dish can be enjoyed by anyone with a food intolerance. Do double-check the remaining ingredients as well, particularly the dried fruit and the herbs.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Shirin Plov adapts to vegan and vegetarian diets with almost no effort. To make it vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or an oil you enjoy. Cooking the rice in vegetable stock rather than plain water is a simple way to build extra depth of flavour. Just make sure the dried fruit and herbs come from vegan sources too. The dish stays every bit as delicious and nourishing.
More tips and tricks
A flawless Shirin Plov comes down to the texture of the rice. Wash and soak it properly before cooking so the grains stay separate rather than turning sticky. A little salt in the cooking water helps to bring out the flavour of the rice itself. A splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon while you sauté the dried fruit will sharpen its sweetness nicely. Small touches like these make all the difference.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The beauty of Shirin Plov is how easily it bends to personal preference. Feel free to add more or less dried fruit depending on your taste, or adjust the amount of honey or sugar if you like things sweeter. Different spices such as cardamom or cloves can set a new accent and make the dish more exciting. Experiment with other herbs, or even vegetables, to create your own version of this traditional favourite.
Ingredient substitutions
If some of the ingredients for Shirin Plov are not to your liking, there are plenty of alternatives to reach for. Walnuts or pistachios work just as well as almonds and are equally delicious — the same nuts that give Shekerbura its character. Instead of cinnamon, a little nutmeg will give you a different kind of depth. Simply look at what you have to hand and adapt accordingly; the backbone of the dish stays intact.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off the Shirin Plov experience, choose drinks that support rather than compete with the flavours. A fresh mint tea is wonderfully refreshing and sits beautifully alongside the sweet and savoury notes of the rice. Fruity lemonades or a glass of dry white wine are good alternatives that complement the spices. The right drink lifts the whole meal and opens up plenty of pleasing combinations.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can add a great deal to Shirin Plov. Serve it in a large, decorative bowl and garnish with extra fresh herbs and a few additional pieces of dried fruit scattered over the surface. A handful of toasted nuts and a drizzle of honey on top look particularly inviting. Small bowls of yoghurt or sauce for dipping are a welcome addition, and pair well with sides such as Zeytun Salati.
A bit of history
Shirin Plov has a long tradition in Azerbaijani cuisine and is often the highlight of weddings and celebrations. The origins of the dish reach far back, telling the story of the cultural influences that have shaped Azerbaijan over the centuries. It stands not only for hospitality but for the abundance and richness of the land itself. Almost every household has its own version of Shirin Plov, handed down from one generation to the next.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Shirin Plov
Shirin Plov is a genuine feast, and a reflection of Azerbaijan’s rich culinary heritage. With its singular combination of sweetness, spice and fresh herbs, it offers a flavour experience you will not forget. Whether you make it for a celebration or simply for a relaxed weekend, this dish brings a piece of Azerbaijani heritage to your table. Let the aromas tempt you and enjoy this delicious journey.
