Adas Polo – Persian Lentil Rice
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
540 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Persian
Adas Polo – Persian Lentil Rice
Description
Adas Polo – Persian Lentil Rice features a filling of lentils and ground beef cooked with warm spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, and saffron. The rice is pre-boiled to a firm, slightly tender texture before being layered with the filling and dried fruits like raisins and Medjool dates, which add a subtle sweetness. Potatoes sliced and fried are included, lending texture contrast. The dish is assembled by layering rice, filling, and saffron-infused oil, then steamed gently to develop its characteristic aroma and flavor.
The flavors balance savory spiced meat and earthy lentils with aromatic saffron and sweet dried fruits, creating a distinctive Persian pilaf. The texture contrasts between fluffy rice, tender meat, and chewy fruits make it an inviting main dish or side. It is traditionally served warm, often accompanied by plain yogurt or salad.
Lean ground beef is recommended for the filling, though ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for those avoiding red meat. Leftovers can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days and reheated before serving.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 8 ounce ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 2 tablespoons saffron divided, bloomed
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup Medjool dates pitted
For the rice
- 6 1/3 cups water divided
- 2 cups basmati rice washed and drainedrice
- 6 cups water plus 1/3 cup
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt 1½ teaspoons
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 2 potato sliced
- 2 tablespoons saffron bloomed
Instructions
To make the filling
- Cook the lentils in a pot of boiling water over medium heat for 20 minutes, until they are half cooked. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil. Sauté the onion until it’s golden. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s light brown. Add the turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and bloomed saffron. Stir until ground beef is cooked completely. Set aside.
- Wash the raisins and spread them on a kitchen towel. Dry them, then place them in a small heat-proof bowl. Set aside.
To make the rice
- Pour 6 cups of water in a large nonstick pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the rice and salt, and boil about 10 minutes. Check one grain with your fingers by pressing it between your thumb and index finger; you should be able to break the grain but it should still be firm. Add the drained lentils to the pot and boil for 30 seconds.
- Place a colander in clean sink and drain the rice and lentils. Place the pot back on medium heat. Make sure the bottom of the pot is dry. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the pot and place the potato slices in the bottom of the pot so they cover the bottom entirely.
- Scoop 1/3 of the rice into the pot and layer 1/3 of the beef mixture on top of the rice. Repeat with the remaining rice and filling. Carefully pour 1/3 cup of water around the edges of the pot. Wrap the lid in a clean towel and put it on the pot. Let the rice cook for 20 minutes, until the steam starts to escape from the bottom of the pot. Pour 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil on the rice. Place the bowl of raisins and the dates on top of the rice. Cover and steam for 10 minutes more.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of the lentil rice with 2 tablespoons of bloomed saffron. Serve the lentil rice in a large platter, topped with dates, raisins, and the saffron lentil rice.
- Serve with herb platter or plain Greek yogurt on the side.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) for a balanced flavor and texture.
- Ground chicken or turkey can be used as alternatives to red meat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 540 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 540kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 88g | 29% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 18mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 192mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 904mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 12g | 48% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 37IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 73mg | 7% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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