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Authentic Baghali Polo Persian dill rice with fava beans and saffron

Baghali Polo Recipe (Persian Dill Rice with Fava Beans)

An authentic Baghali Polo recipe made with fluffy basmati rice, fragrant dill, tender fava beans, and saffron. This classic Persian rice dish is traditionally served with lamb shank or saffron chicken and is perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Iranian, Persian
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups aged basmati rice
  • 2 cups peeled fresh or frozen fava beans
  • 1 cup finely chopped fresh dill
  • 4 tablespoons dried dill optional alternative
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
  • 2 tablespoons brewed saffron
  • 2 teaspoons salt plus extra for boiling water
  • Water as needed
  • Optional Tahdig
  • Thin potato slices
  • Lavash bread
  • Flour tortilla
  • Romaine lettuce leaves
  • Yogurt mixed with rice

Method
 

  1. Step 1
  2. Wash the basmati rice several times until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in salted water for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 2
  4. Prepare the saffron by grinding the threads and steeping them in hot water for 10 minutes.
  5. Step 3
  6. Prepare the fava beans by blanching fresh beans for 3-4 minutes. If using frozen fava beans, thaw them before cooking.
  7. Step 4
  8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and cook for 6-8 minutes until the outside is soft but the center remains slightly firm. Drain the rice.
  9. Step 5
  10. Heat butter and oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add your preferred tahdig layer if using.
  11. Step 6
  12. Layer the rice with fava beans and dill. Repeat the layers without pressing the rice down.
  13. Step 7
  14. Pour saffron over the rice, cover the pot with a towel-wrapped lid, and steam for 35-40 minutes over low heat.
  15. Step 8
  16. Serve the Baghali Polo with crispy tahdig on the side and enjoy with lamb shank, saffron chicken, kebabs, or fresh herbs.