Adas Polo (Persian Lentil Rice)

🧂 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

🔄 Variations

• 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.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving