Baghali Polo
Baghali polo is closely tied to Persian celebrations, traditionally appearing alongside lamb at Nowruz feasts and weddings, where the green rice-and-bean mixture symbolizes spring's abundance. The combination of fresh favas and dill reflects the seasonality of Iranian cuisine, traditionally prepared only in the spring months when both ingredients were at their peak. The double-boiling rice technique, common to all Persian polo dishes, requires precise timing to achieve fluffy separate grains in contrast to the crisp tahdig at the base. Families often proudly defend their own tahdig recipes, some preferring potato, others lavash bread, or just rice mixed with yogurt.
A generous mix of herbs
Chopped dill, parsley and tarragon are mixed directly into the rice, speckling it a mottled green.
Green favas, not dried
Peeled fava beans are boiled separately before being added, keeping their bright color and firm bite.
Rice cooked in two stages
The rice is partly boiled in water, then steamed over low heat, the core technique of any Persian polo.
Golden tahdig at the base
A thin layer of rice mixed with yogurt or potato forms a crisp, golden crust at the bottom of the pot.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 3 cups basmati rice
- 500g fresh fava beans, peeled
- 1 bunch dill, chopped
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp saffron, bloomed
- 1 medium potato, sliced
- Salt
How to make it
- 1Wash the rice several times and soak it in salted water for thirty minutes.
- 2Boil the peeled fava beans in boiling water for five minutes, then drain and set aside.
- 3Boil the soaked rice in boiling water for six minutes, until partly cooked, then drain it.
- 4Mix the drained rice with the boiled favas, dill and chopped parsley.
- 5Butter the bottom of the pot, arrange the potato slices, and sprinkle a little rice mixed with yogurt.
- 6Add the rest of the rice and herb mixture in a pyramid shape, then drizzle the bloomed saffron over the top.
- 7Cover the pot with a kitchen towel under the lid and steam over low heat for forty minutes.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
