Persian Adas Polo (Lentil rice with raisins & meat or mushrooms) - بهترین عدس پلوی ایرانی

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa offers a higher protein content while long-grain rice is often less expensive.

dried raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: sultanas

Cranberries provide a tart flavor while sultanas are more affordable.

saffron

🥗Healthier: turmeric

💰Cheaper: paprika

Turmeric gives a similar color at a lower cost.

almonds

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts are healthier fats, while sunflower seeds are budget-friendly.

Clean and sift through the rice to remove any debris or bugs.

Wash the rice about 3-4 times to remove cloudy starch until the water runs clear.

Prepare a salt brine with 4 tablespoons of salt for 3 cups of rice and let it sit for 1 to several hours.

Rinse 1.5 cups of green lentils to remove any dust or dirt, then soak in room temperature water for 2 to several hours.

Boil water in a pot, add the salt brine and rice, and cook for about 5-6 minutes until al dente.

Strain the rice and set aside.

In a skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of grape seed oil and sauté half of the diced onion until golden, about 5 minutes.

Add the drained lentils to the skillet with the sautéed onions, black pepper, and turmeric, and cook until the lentils are a shade darker, about 4 minutes.

Transfer the lentil mixture to a bowl and set aside.

In the same skillet, heat more grape seed oil and sauté the remaining half of the onion until golden.

Add ground beef (optional) and cook until browned.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens