Adas Polo
Persian Lentil Rice
A beloved Persian dish, Adas Polo is a flavorful and comforting rice pilaf studded with tender brown lentils, sweet raisins, and soft dates. It offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes, making it a unique and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups Basmati rice
- 1 cup Brown or green lentils
- 1/2 cup Raisins
- 8 medium Pitted dates
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or ghee
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- as needed Water
- pinch Optional: Saffron threads
- for serving Optional: Caramelized onions
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cook the lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. They should not be mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 2
Prepare the rice: Drain the soaked basmati rice. In a large pot, bring about 8-10 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the drained rice and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the grains are slightly softened and elongated but still have a firm bite (al dente). This is called parboiling. Drain the rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Assemble the Adas Polo: In the same large pot (cleaned if necessary), heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cooked lentils, chopped dates, raisins, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the dates begin to soften slightly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Layer the rice and lentil mixture: Add about one-third of the parboiled rice to the pot with the lentil mixture. Gently mix. Then, layer the remaining rice on top, creating a mound. You can optionally drizzle the bloomed saffron over the top layer of rice for color and aroma.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Steam the rice: Poke several holes in the mound of rice using the handle of a wooden spoon to allow steam to escape. Drizzle the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of oil or ghee over the top. Cover the pot tightly with a lid, wrapping the lid in a clean kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture and prevent it from dripping onto the rice. Reduce the heat to low.
⏱️ 1 hour - 6
Cook on low heat: Let the Adas Polo steam undisturbed for about 50-60 minutes. The rice should become fluffy and tender, and a slight crust (tahdig) may form at the bottom of the pot, which is highly prized.
⏱️ 50-60 minutes - 7
Serve: Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot, garnished with optional caramelized onions. Adas Polo is delicious on its own or served with yogurt, salad, or grilled meats.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a crispier tahdig (rice crust), ensure the pot is well-greased and the heat is maintained correctly during the steaming process.
- ✓Adjust the amount of raisins and dates to your preference for sweetness.
- ✓Rinsing the rice thoroughly is crucial for removing excess starch, which prevents the grains from clumping.
- ✓The parboiling step ensures each grain of rice is distinct and perfectly cooked.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add cooked shredded chicken or lamb for a heartier meal.
- Incorporate other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries.
- Add toasted slivered almonds or pistachios for texture.