Ingredients ( Serves 4 )
-
- Rice: 3 cups
- Lentils: 1 ½ cups
- Ground beef (optional): 300 grams
- Onions: 2 medium-sized, finely chopped
- Raisins: 1 cup
- Dates (pitted and chopped): 10 pieces
- Saffron (brewed): 2 tablespoons
- Oil: as needed
- Salt, black pepper, turmeric, and cinnamon: to taste
Instructions:
-
- Prepare the Lentils
- Wash the lentils and cook them with water over medium heat for about 20 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Rice
- Wash the rice and soak it in salted water for 2 hours.
- Boil water in a pot, add the rice, and cook until the grains are semi-soft (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat and Lentils Mixture
- Heat some oil in a pan, add the chopped onions, and sauté until golden.
- Add the ground beef, turmeric, salt, and black pepper, and sauté until browned.
- Stir in the cooked lentils and mix well.
- Sauté the Dates and Raisins
- Heat a small amount of oil in a pan, add the raisins and chopped dates, and sauté for a minute or two until soft.
- Assemble and Steam the Lentil Rice
- In a pot, add some oil and place a layer of bread or potato slices for the crispy bottom (Tahdig).
- Layer the rice and lentil mixture alternately in the pot.
- Drizzle brewed saffron over the top.
- Cover and steam over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with the sautéed dates, raisins, and crispy onions.
Enjoy your delicious Persian Adas Polo! 😊