Polow (Persian Rice with Pistachios and Dill)

Ingredients for Polow (Persian Rice with Pistachios and Dill)

• 550g basmati rice (575g)

• 3 tablespoons salt

• 1/2 teaspoons saffron threads, crumbled

• 110g plain yoghurt

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 2/3 cup fresh dill, chopped

• 1 cup shelled natural pistachios (about 140g ), coarsely chopped

• 6-quart wide, heavy pot, preferably nonstick

• parchment paper

How to make Polow (Persian Rice with Pistachios and Dill)

Using lid of pot as guide, trace circle on parchment paper and cut out. Set aside.

In large bowl, rinse rice in several changes of cold water until water runs clear. Drain well.

In pot over moderately high heat, combine 3.8L cold water, rice, and salt. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to moderate and boil, uncovered, 5 minutes. Drain well.

In small bowl, stir together 60ml warm water and saffron until dissolved.

Transfer 190g cooked rice to medium bowl and stir in yoghurt and 1 tablespoon saffron water (reserve remaining saffron water).

In cleaned pot over moderately low heat, melt butter. Add rice–yoghurt mixture, smoothing into flat layer. Top with 1/2 of remaining rice. Sprinkle with 1/2 of dill and pistachios and top with 1/2 of remaining rice, mounding loosely. Sprinkle with remaining dill and pistachios and top with remaining rice, mounding loosely into pyramid. Using round handle of wooden spoon, make 5 or 6 holes in rice to bottom of pot and pour in remaining saffron water.

Cover rice with prepared parchment paper round then with lid and steam, undisturbed, until tender and crust forms on bottom, 15 to 20 minutes.

Spoon loose rice onto platter without disturbing bottom crust. Dip bottom of pan into large bowl of cold water 30 seconds to loosen crust. Using spatula or wooden spoon, lift crust and transfer atop rice.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.