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Adas polo Persian lentil rice

Adas Polo (Persian Lentil Rice)

Adas polo is a traditional Persian rice dish made with basmati rice, tender lentils, golden onions, raisins, and fragrant saffron.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Iranian, Persian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils
  • 2 medium onions
  • ½ cup raisins
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons brewed saffron
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional
  • 4 dates pitted and chopped (optional)
  • 250 g ground beef optional

Method
 

  1. Rinse the basmati rice several times and soak it in salted water for 30 minutes.
  2. Rinse the lentils and simmer them in water for 15-20 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain well.
  3. Thinly slice the onions and fry them in 2 tablespoons of oil until golden brown.
  4. Add turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper. Stir in the raisins and optional chopped dates, then cook for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the drained rice and parboil for 5-8 minutes until the outside is soft and the center remains slightly firm. Drain.
  6. Add the remaining oil to a pot. Layer the rice and lentils, then drizzle with brewed saffron and add optional butter.
  7. Cover and steam over medium heat for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 30-40 minutes until the rice is fluffy.
  8. For the optional meat topping, cook the ground beef in a skillet with a little oil, salt, pepper, and turmeric until thoroughly cooked.
  9. Transfer the rice to a serving platter and garnish with the onion and raisin mixture and optional cooked beef. Serve hot with yogurt, fresh herbs, or Shirazi salad.