Reshteh Polo - Persian Noodle Rice with Onions and Raisins
Reshteh Polo is a widely loved Persian rice dish. The floral aroma of the saffron rice combined with the sweetness of the caramelised onions and raisins make for a multifaceted dish - too good for a humble side dish really. The brown noodles in the rice create the most mouthwatering tahdig (the crispy bits from the bottom of the pot)!
Kalam Ghomri Polo Shirazi - Persian Kohlrabi Rice
Kalam Polo Shirazi is a popular dish from Shiraz. A delightful Iranian dish that combines the earthy taste of Kolhrabi with aromatic spices and herbs.
Shiraz is a historic and culturally significant city located in the southwest of Iran. It is the capital of the Fars Province and one of the country's most famous cities. Shiraz is known for its rich history, poetic heritage, beautiful gardens, and vibrant culture. Its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the rich heritage of Iran. It is a city that beautifully showcases the depth and diversity of Persian culture.
Havij Polo – Jewelled Carrot Rice
Havij Polo is a colourful jewelled rice dish. The aromatic Persian saffron rice is accompanied by caramelised bitter orange peel and julienne, sweet carrots.
Polo Zaferooni - Persian Saffron Rice
Polo Zaferooni is the basis of Persian Cuisine. Most of the Persian stews and kabab dishes are served with Persian Saffron Rice. It’s like the foundation of a house. Making aromatic, fluffy rice is the first thing you want to pay attention to when starting your Persian culinary journey. Since it is served with almost every dish you’ll have plenty of opportunity to master it.
Nokhod Polo – Persian Dill Rice with Peas
Nokhod Polo is probably my favourite variation of Persian rice. It is saffron infused basmati rice with dill and peas – Such a good combo!
You can combine it with almost any Persian dish you fancy! If lamb isn’t really your thing, you can make it with Saffron Chicken for example. Nokhod Polo also goes really well with vegetable stew. Or serve it with fried eggs for a quick vegetarian weekday version! I’m telling you, the latter is one of my favourite things ever!
However if you want to make something a bit more classy on the weekend, lamb shanks (Mahiche) are a great option.
Kalam Polo Recipe - Persian Cabbage Rice
Kalam Polo is a flavourful Persian rice dish with white cabbage and ground meat. The rice is steamed together with the white cabbage, onions, garlic, meat and spices, so that it soaks up all the goodness.
I used beef in this recipe but you could also use lamb, a mix of beef and lamb, or a vegan ground meat alternative. You can also leave the meat out completely and it will still taste phenomenal!
Loobia Polo Recipe - Persian Lamb and Green Bean Rice
Loobia Polo is my absolute favourite dish! I know I say this a lot, put hands down, if I could only pick one favourite, it would be Loobya Polo. It is a mouthwatering Persian rice dish with lamb and green beans. The sauce is cooked first and then combined with the rice. They both steam together for around 1 hour, allowing the rice to absorb all the rich flavours of the sauce.
Albaloo Polo – Persian Saffron and Sour Cherry Rice
Albaloo Polo is a fragrant Persian saffron rice dish, topped with gently caramelised sour cherries and golden brown meatballs. You can even add more colour and texture to the Albaloo Polo with slivered pistachios and almonds.
You can easily make this beautiful rice dish vegetarian by not adding any meatballs. It is more than delicious enough on its own and can also be served as a side dish to chicken! Although, I would consider the chicken to be the side and this gorgeous jewelled rice the main dish.