Adas polo

Cultural fact:

Adas Polo, meaning “lentil rice,” is a beloved Persian comfort food. It combines fluffy rice and lentils with sweet raisins or dates, creating the classic Persian balance of sweet and savory flavors. It is often enjoyed at family meals and gatherings, and some versions are prepared as nazri—food shared with others as an act of generosity.

Recipe:

  1. Cook the lentils: Boil the lentils until tender but still firm, then drain.
  2. Prepare the rice: Rinse and parboil the basmati rice until the outside is soft but the center is still firm. Drain.
  3. Make the topping: Fry the sliced onion until golden. Add the raisins and dates and cook briefly with cinnamon.
  4. Layer: Add rice and lentils to a pot in alternating layers. Sprinkle saffron water and cumin between the layers.
  5. Steam: Cover and cook on low heat for about 45 minutes until the rice becomes fluffy and a crispy tahdig forms at the bottom.
  6. Serve: Top with the sweet onion, raisin, and date mixture. Enjoy warm!

✨ Persian touch: The combination of fluffy rice, sweet raisins and dates, and fragrant spices creates the sweet-and-savory flavor that makes Adas Polo so special.