Adas Polow

Adas Polow, a classic Persian lentil and rice pilaf, is a dish bursting with warm, aromatic spices and rich, sweet flavors. This hearty recipe combines fluffy basmati rice with tender lentils, caramelized onions, and a luscious mix of dates and raisins for a sweet-savory balance that's truly irresistible. Highlighting traditional seasonings like cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin, each bite is deeply fragrant and comforting. For the ultimate experience, include the optional potato tahdig, a golden, crispy layer of rice or potato that adds a satisfying crunch. Topped with saffron-tinged rice and golden onions, Adas Polow is an elegant yet approachable dish, perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. Customize it to your taste with garnishes and pairings for a meal that brings the rich heritage of Persian cuisine to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 1 cup Brown or green lentils
• 2 medium Onion
• 3 tablespoons Butter or Ghee
• 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Dates (pitted and chopped)
• 0.5 cup Raisins
• 0.25 teaspoon Saffron threads (optional, for garnish)
• 1 large Potato (optional, for tahdig)
• 6 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in a bowl of cold water with 1 teaspoon of salt for 30 minutes, then drain.

Step 2

Rinse the lentils and place them in a medium saucepan. Cover with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15–20 minutes until slightly tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Peel and slice the onions thinly. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 20–25 minutes. Remove half the onions and set aside for garnish.

Step 4

To the skillet with the remaining onions, add the butter or ghee, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine and cook for 1–2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

Step 5

Add the cooked lentils, chopped dates, and raisins to the skillet. Stir to mix everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Set the lentil mixture aside.

Step 6

In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the drained rice and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the rice is parboiled (soft on the outside but still firm in the center). Drain the rice in a colander and rinse under cold water.

Step 7

If making tahdig, slice the potato into thin rounds. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the bottom of a large nonstick pot. Arrange the potato slices in a single layer to cover the bottom of the pot.

Step 8

Layer the rice and lentil mixture in the pot, starting with a layer of rice, then a layer of the lentil mixture. Repeat until all the rice and lentil mixture are used, ending with a final layer of rice. Use the handle of a spatula to poke a few holes through the rice to allow steam to escape.

Step 9

Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, then place the lid on top. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and cook for another 30–40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tahdig to form.

Step 10

If using saffron, steep the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water for a few minutes. Spoon some of the cooked rice into a small bowl, mix with the saffron water, and set aside for garnish.

Step 11

To serve, carefully invert the pot onto a large serving platter to reveal the crispy potato tahdig (if used). Garnish with the reserved caramelized onions and saffron rice. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2986.6 grams (2986.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2421

Total Fat 78.00g	100%
Saturated Fat 28.40g	142%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.20g
Cholesterol 92mg	31%
Sodium 4825mg	210%
Total Carbohydrate 413.60g	150%
Dietary Fiber 43.20g	154%
Total Sugars 179.20g
Protein 49.00g	98%

Vitamin D 26IU	128%
Calcium 494mg	38%
Iron 21mg	118%
Potassium 4489mg	96%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.5%

Protein: 7.7%

Carbs: 64.8%