Emre TopçuoğluCommis de Cuisine
25 June 2026 Last updated: 12 September 2026

A showstopping dish from Azerbaijani palace cuisine, shah pilaf is made by mixing saffron rice with dried fruit and chestnuts, wrapping it in thin lavash sheets, and baking it. Its layered appearance when sliced makes it a classic for celebratory feasts.

Step by Step

How to make it?

1

Parboil the Rice

8 min

Parboil the rice in salted water over medium heat for 6–7 minutes, until partially tender, then drain.

2

Sauté the Dried Fruit

5 min

In some of the butter, sauté the raisins, chestnuts, and apricots over medium heat for 5 minutes.

3

Combine

5 min

Mix the rice with the dried fruit mixture and saffron water.

4

Wrap

15 min

Line the bottom and sides of a greased pan with the lavash sheets. Fill with the rice mixture, then fold the lavash over the top.

5

Bake

35 min

Drizzle with the remaining butter and bake in an oven preheated to 180°C / 355°F for 30–35 minutes, until golden on top.

6

Serve

Slice and serve hot.

Reminder

Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Values · 1 serving

Values are estimates
420 kcalCalories
7 gProtein
62 gCarbohydrate
16 gFat
3 gFiber
14 gSugar
380 mgSodium
9 gSaturated Fat
Protein 7% Carbohydrate 59% Fat 34%
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