How to Make Iranian Polow, or Persian Rice

saffron

🥗Healthier: turmeric

💰Cheaper: annatto

Turmeric provides color and flavor at a lower cost.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and offers a different flavor profile.

dried fruits

🥗Healthier: fresh fruits

💰Cheaper: canned fruits

Fresh fruits can reduce sugar content.

meat

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: beans

Tofu is a plant-based alternative that is lower in fat.

Crumble saffron threads into a small amount of water to bloom.

Rinse boiled rice a couple of times to remove starch, if desired.

Mix a spoonful or two of rice with Greek yogurt and saffron water.

Prepare a lid using parchment paper to keep steam in while cooking.

Lightly butter the bottom of a clean pan.

Spread the yogurt-rice mixture on the bottom of the pan to form a base layer.

Layer pistachios and dill on top of the base layer.

Add more rice to form a pyramid shape in the pan.

Press down the rice and create steam holes using the back of a fork.

Spoon saffron mixture into the steam holes.

Cover the pan with the parchment lid and cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes until the bottom is caramelized.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary