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5.0 from 6 votes

Sabzi Polo Recipe (Persian Herb Rice)

Sabzi polo is a tender, buttery, and fluffy Persian herb rice dish steamed with herbs and topped with a crispy flatbread tahdig crust!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
47 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 254 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Persian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 cups chopped mixed herbs (See Note 1)
  • 1 piece lavash or tortilla
  • 4 tbsp butter melted
  • 1/2 tsp advieh

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Chop fine equal parts flat leaf parsley, cilantro, dill and chives. Set aside.
  2. Rinse the rice with cold water until it runs clear using a sieve. Drain and set aside.
  3. Bring 6 cups of salted water to a boil and add the rice. Cook for 12 minutes and then drain again using a sieve. Mix the rice and herbs together in a bowl.
  4. Mix the melted butter and advieh spice blend together. To the same pot add 2 tablespoons of the melted butter. Place a large piece of lavash bread or burrito size flour tortilla (See Note 2) in the bottom of the pot.
  5. Top the bread with the herb rice and then drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke a few holes in the rice, without hitting the tahdig layer (bread). This allows the steam to escape. Cover and over low heat steam for 20 minutes.
  6. Run a rubber spatula around the inside of the pot to release any food that's sticking to the sides.Place an appropriate-sized serving platter over the top of the pot. Quickly and confidently, flip the pot and platter over. There will be a swishing sound as the tahdig releases. You can watch the process in my other Persian Tahdig recipe video.Alternatively, use a large spoon and scoop the rice onto a platter. Gently remove the tahdig whole or in pieces, and serve it on the side or over the top of the rice.

Notes

  • I prefer to use flat leaf parsley and cilantro leaves, dill with stems removed and chives chopped fine.
  • I have found it easier to display after turning the rice over with the bread already cut (See pictures). Cut the lavash or tortilla into 6 triangles and place on the bottom of the pot.
  • For leftovers, let the rice cool completely and transfer to an airtight container or sealable bag and squeeze out excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, let come to room temp, add a tablespoon of water, cover and steam in microwave for 2-3 minutes on high heat. Fluff with fork and enjoy.

Nutrition Information

Calories 254kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 54g (18%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 1mg (0%) Sodium 447mg (19%) Potassium 203mg (6%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 1701IU (34%) Vitamin C 27mg (30%) Calcium 62mg (6%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 254

% Daily Value*

Calories 254kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 54g 18%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 1mg 0%
Sodium 447mg 19%
Potassium 203mg 4%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 1701IU 34%
Vitamin C 27mg 30%
Calcium 62mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.