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Home›Rice Dishes

🍚 Rice Dishes

From Persian saffron tahdig to Indian biryani, Afghan Kabuli Palaw to Azerbaijani plov - explore rice dishes that are the centerpiece of cuisines across the saffron belt.

263 recipes

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Persian · Rice Dishes
Baghala Polo ba Mahicheh (باقلا پلو با ماهیچه) — Persian Dill and Fava Bean Rice with Braised Lamb Shank
Fluffy basmati rice layered with dill and fava beans, paired with lamb shanks braised until fall-apart tender. A celebratory Persian centerpiece often served for Nowruz and weddings, finished with buttery saffron aroma.
285 min 6 820 cal

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Polo Sabzijat — Persian-Style Vegetable Pilaf - authentic persian recipe

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Persian · Rice Dishes

Polo Sabzijat (پلو سبزیجات) — Persian-Style Vegetable Pilaf

Fluffy basmati rice layered with sautéed mixed vegetables and fragrant aromatics. Finished with soy and sesame for a Silk Road–inspired, savory pilaf that stays light, colorful, and comforting.

110 min 4 421 cal

Polo Afghani Fasl — Seasonal Afghan Vegetable Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Polo Afghani Fasl (پلو افغانی فصل) — Seasonal Afghan Vegetable Rice

A fragrant, layered basmati rice dish with seasonal vegetables, warm cinnamon, and saffron. Finished with a golden, crispy tahdig, it’s a colorful harvest-style pilaf that’s comforting yet celebratory.

120 min 6 520 cal

Chelow - e Sadeh - Golden Persian Steamed Rice with Saffron Yogurt Tahdig - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Chelow-e Sadeh (چلو ساده) — Golden Persian Steamed Rice with Saffron Yogurt Tahdig

Chelow-e Sadeh is Iran’s classic steamed basmati rice: rinsed, soaked, parboiled, then gently steamed for airy grains. A saffron-yogurt tahdig forms a crisp, golden crust—an iconic centerpiece of Persian hospitality.

145 min 6 444 cal

Kahoo Polo - Persian Lettuce Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Kahoo Polo (کاهو پلو) — Persian Lettuce Rice

Kahoo Polo is a delicate Persian layered rice dish where tender lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and saffron-scented basmati steam together with chicken. It’s light yet aromatic, with a crisp tahdig and a garden-fresh finish.

130 min 6 622 cal

Shekar Polo - Persian Sweet Rice from Shiraz - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Shekar Polo (شکر پلو) – Persian Sweet Rice from Shiraz

Shekar Polo is a celebratory Shirazi sweet rice with a luminous saffron-turmeric color, perfumed with citrus zest and rosewater, then finished with crunchy pistachios. It’s delicately sweet, floral, and elegant beside rich stews or roasted meats.

125 min 6 472 cal

Reshteh Polo - Persian Toasted Noodle Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Reshteh Polo (رشته پلو) — Persian Toasted Noodle Rice

Reshteh Polo is a classic Persian rice dish for Nowruz, combining fluffy basmati with golden toasted reshteh noodles. Its nutty aroma and symbolic “threads of life” make it a festive, comforting centerpiece.

150 min 6 346 cal

Baghali Polo - Persian Fava Bean and Dill Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Baghali Polo (باقالی پلو) – Persian Fava Bean and Dill Rice

Baghali Polo is a celebratory Persian rice layered with tender fava beans and fragrant dill, finished with saffron-tinted grains and a crisp tahdig. Fluffy, aromatic, and vibrant, it is a wedding and Nowruz classic served alongside rich stews or roasted meats.

180 min 6 520 cal

Polow - e Estanbuli - Persian Tomato Rice with Mutton - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Polow-e Estanbuli (استانبولی پلو) — Persian Tomato Rice with Mutton

Polow-e Estanbuli is a beloved Persian tomato rice layered with tender mutton, potatoes, and bell pepper. Butter, tomato paste, and warm spices create a comforting, tangy one-pot meal ideal for family tables.

175 min 6 690 cal

Polo Nokhod Farangi - Persian Green Pea Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Polo Nokhod Farangi (پلو نخود فرنگی) – Persian Green Pea Rice

A springtime Persian layered rice (polo) scented with cardamom and cinnamon, studded with sweet green peas and carrots, and finished with a crisp tahdig. Comforting, aromatic, and perfect for family gatherings.

115 min 6 430 cal

Meygoo Polo - Persian Shrimp Pilaf - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Meygoo Polo (میگو پلو) — Persian Shrimp Pilaf

Meygoo Polo is a Southern Iranian shrimp pilaf layered with fluffy steamed rice and a garlicky tomato-onion base. Finished with tender shrimp and optional egg ribbons, it balances savor, warmth, and fragrance.

115 min 4 640 cal

Gheymeh Nesar - Qazvin’s Jeweled Beef and Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Gheymeh Nesar (قیمه نثار) — Qazvin’s Jeweled Beef and Rice

A regal Qazvin specialty of tender beef in a saffron-tomato sauce, served with fluffy basmati rice and crowned with jeweled toppings of barberries, almonds, and warm cinnamon. A classic wedding and feast dish.

190 min 6 790 cal

Mushroom and Chicken Polo - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Mushroom and Chicken Polo (پلو مرغ و قارچ)

A Persian-inspired layered polo with fluffy basmati rice, saffron-brewed chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and colorful bell peppers. Finished with piaz dagh for deep savory aroma and a golden, fragrant presentation.

145 min 6 610 cal

Adas Polo ba Gharch - Persian Lentil Rice with Mushrooms - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Adas Polo ba Gharch (عدس پلو با قارچ) — Persian Lentil Rice with Mushrooms

A comforting Persian rice dish layered with tender lentils, sautéed mushrooms, spiced minced meat, and sweet fried onions. Finished with a crisp tahdig, it balances hearty protein with aromatic, fluffy rice.

135 min 6 620 cal

Reshteh Polo ba Lobia Cheshm - Bolboli (‌ ‌) - | Persian Noodle Rice with Black - Eyed Peas - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Reshteh Polo ba Lobia Cheshm-Bolboli (رشته‌پلو با لوبیا چشم‌بلبلی) — | Persian Noodle Rice with Black-Eyed Peas

Reshteh Polo is fragrant Persian noodle rice often served for Nowruz. This version folds in tender black-eyed peas, toasted reshteh, and saffron, then finishes with buttery raisins and caramelized onion for a symbolic, celebratory meal.

175 min 6 520 cal

Persian - Style Chicken Polo - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Persian-Style Chicken Polo (پلو مرغ لیمویی)

A bright, contemporary Persian-inspired chicken polo with fluffy basmati rice, sautéed chicken breast, sweet peppers, tomato, basil, and fresh lemon. Zesty, aromatic, and balanced—ideal for a wholesome family meal.

100 min 4 640 cal

Polow - ye Zaafarani Kari ( ‌ ‌) - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Polow-ye Zaafarani Kari (پلو زعفرانی کاری با مرغ و ته‌دیگ سیب‌زمینی)

An elegant layered rice dish made with basmati rice, tender, juicy chicken, mushrooms, and peas; the aroma of bloomed saffron blends with the warmth of curry, and the golden, crispy potato tahdig turns it into a true Iranian feast.

150 min 6 650 cal

Dami Adas va Havij - Persian Lentil & Carrot Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Dami Adas va Havij (دمی عدس و هویج) — Persian Lentil & Carrot Rice

A fragrant, home-style Iranian dami in which basmati rice steams together with brown lentils and sweet carrots. Crispy fried onions and warm Persian spices create a cozy, comforting flavor, and everything comes together evenly in a single pot.

105 min 4 520 cal

Esfanaj Polo ba Ghelgheli — Spinach Rice with Mini Meatballs - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Esfanaj Polo ba Ghelgheli (اسفناج پلو با قلقلی) — Spinach Rice with Mini Meatballs

Esfanaj Polo is a refined Persian spinach rice pilaf layered with tender mini meatballs, brightened with verjuice and crowned with crisp bread tahdig. Fragrant basmati and vivid greens make it a celebratory, elegant main.

145 min 6 585 cal

Estamboli Polo with Lamb - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Estamboli Polo with Lamb (استانبولی پلو با گوشت)

A beloved Iranian tomato rice layered with tender lamb, potatoes, and warm spices. This Estamboli Polo uses the classic Persian parboil-and-dam method for fluffy grains, bright tomato flavor, and a golden tahdig.

125 min 6 645 cal

Sour Cherry Rice with Chicken - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Sour Cherry Rice with Chicken (آلبالو پلو با مرغ)

Jeweled Persian rice layered with sweet-tart sour cherries and saffron, served with tender chicken simmered in aromatic onion and spices. A celebratory, balanced dish with bright color and a signature tang.

165 min 6 710 cal

Green Bean Rice with Tomato and Lamb - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Green Bean Rice with Tomato and Lamb (لوبیا پلو)

Loobia Polo is a beloved Iranian layered rice dish where fragrant basmati is steamed with saffron, tomato-braised lamb, and crisp-tender green beans. This version balances tangy tomato, warm spices, and a golden tahdig for a festive, comforting meal.

145 min 6 590 cal

Crispy Saffron Tahdig - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Crispy Saffron Tahdig (ته دیگ زعفرانی)

Golden, crunchy tahdig is the prized crust at the bottom of Persian rice. This saffron version uses parboiled basmati, yogurt, and saffron for a fragrant, shatteringly crisp layer with fluffy rice above.

155 min 6 375 cal