This is one of many mixed rice dishes in Persian cuisine, and I would say my all-time favorite! The second favorite being Zereshk Polo, rice with barberries, and saffron.
This rice dish is typically served with stewed beef or lamb as well as roasted or stewed chicken with the usual Persian spice mixture called advieh and saffron. A side of yogurt or fire-roasted pickled eggplants (
There are a few variations to this dish; the fava beans can be eliminated or replaced with lima beans. The herbs can also be expanded to include parsley, cilantro, and fenugreek leaves.
Shiveed Baghaleh Polo
Fresh fava bean and dill rice pilaf with saffron tahdig
Ingredients
- 2 cups white basmati rice, soaked for 1 hour and rinsed
- 8 1/4 cups water, divided
- 2 tablespoons salt, for parboiling the rice and will be rinsed out.
- 1/2 cup dill weed, dry
- 2 cups fava beans, fresh or frozen
- 4 tablespoons oil, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground saffron, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
Instructions
- In a large covered pot, bring 8 cups of water and salt to a boil.
- Add the rinsed rice and boil on high heat uncovered for about 5-7 minutes, or until the rice has slightly softened.
- Turn the heat off, remove and strain about one cup of the boiled rice and place in a small bowl. Combine with 1 tablespoon of the saffron-water mixture and gently mix. Set aside.
- Add the dill and fresh fava bean to the big pot with the remainder of the rice and gently stir.
- Drain the rice mixture in a colander and set aside while you prepare the pan.
- Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a non-stick pot.
- Spread the saffron rice evenly in the bottom of the pot. This will be the crispy rice referred to as the Tahdig.
- Pour the remainder of the rinsed rice, fava bean and dill mixture to the pot and lightly fluff with a fork.
- Cut up the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee into pieces and evenly spread over the top of the rice.
- Pour 1/4 cup of water evenly over the top of the rice. Wrap the lid with a clean towel and place on top of the pot. This will allow the rice to steam.
- Steam the rice over a medium-low to medium heat for about 45-50 minutes.
- Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon saffron water over the top of the rice. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- When serving this dish to guests, I typically use a non-stick pot so that I can flip the rice over and serve it upside down showcasing the crunchy saffron tahdig.
Notes
When steaming the rice, do not lift the lid and never mix the rice.
Serve with chicken, beef or lamb stew or with a white fleshed fish.Â
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