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4.90 from 38 votes

Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice)

Sabzi Polo is a delicious Persian Herb Rice that is usually served with fish for the new year. Sabzi Polo has a crispy lettuce Tahdig that's hard to resist! 
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Persian
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 114kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Basmati Rice
  • 1 ½ cup Fresh Dill Chopped (See Note #1)
  • ½ cup Fresh Chives Chopped (See Note #2)
  • ½ cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped
  • ½ cup Fresh Parsley Chopped
  • cup Vegetable Oil Plus 4 tablespoons
  • 5-6 Romaine Lettuce Leaves

Instructions

  • Rinse Basmati rice at least three times. Set aside. 
  • Mix all the chopped herbs in a large bowl and set aside.
  • Fill a large non stick pot with water, place over high heat, cover with a lid and bring water to boil. 
  • Once the water is boiling, pour the rinsed rice into the water and cook it for 7-8 minutes until the rice grain is soft on the outside but still firm on the inside.  
  • Drain using a colander and mix the herbs with the rice. 
  • Place the pot back on medium heat and make sure it's dry. Pour the vegetable oil into the pot and heat it. 
  • Once the oil is shimmery, place the lettuce leaves at the bottom of the pot to cover it. 
  • Scoop the rice and herbs back into the pot. Bring most of the rice to the middle, shaping it into a mound. Using the edge of a spatula, make 5 holes in the surface of the rice to let the steam out. 
  • Pour ½ cup of water around the edges. Wrap the lid in a clean towel and put it on the pot. Place on medium heat and let the rice steam for 15 minutes, until the steam comes out from the bottom of the pot.
  • Pour 4 tablespoons vegetable oil on the rice, cover, and steam for 20-30 more minutes on medium low heat. 
  • Serve warm with chicken or fish.

Video

Notes

  1. If fresh dill is not available, use ½ cup dried dill. 
  2. You can use leek (the green parts) instead of chives. 

Nutrition

Serving: 6servings | Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 7mg | Fiber: 1g