Iranian Adas Polo Recipe
Adas Polo, or Persian lentil rice, is a flavorful Iranian dish that combines aromatic basmati rice with lentils and a variety of spices. Lentils, a central ingredient, have been grown in Iran for millennia. The pairing of rice and lentils reflects a classic Persian culinary tradition of blending grains with legumes to create a balanced, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- Basmati rice - 2 cups
- Brown lentils - 1 cup
- Onion (finely chopped) - 1
- Vegetable oil - 3 tbsp
- Ground cumin - 3 tsp
- Ground cinnamon - 2 tsp
- Turmeric - 2 tsp
- Salt - 1 tsp
- Water - 4 cups
- Saffron strands (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
- In a separate bowl, rinse the lentils thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the drained lentils to the pot and sauté for a few minutes. Stir in the ground cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and salt, allowing the spices to coat the lentils evenly.
- Add the water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are partially cooked.
- Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the rice is parboiled. Drain the rice and set aside.
- Once the lentils are partially cooked, spread the parboiled rice over the lentils in an even layer. Make a few holes in the rice using the back of a spoon to allow steam to escape.
- Place a lid on the pot and cook on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, until the rice and lentils are fully cooked.
- To garnish, dissolve a pinch of saffron strands in a tablespoon of hot water and drizzle it over the rice before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 597mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!