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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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Afghan · Rice Dishes
Qabili Morgh (قابلی مرغ) — Afghan Chicken and Carrot Rice with Raisins
Qabili Morgh is an Afghan celebration-style rice dish where fragrant basmati is topped with tender chicken, sweet carrots, and plump raisins. Its aroma comes from cardamom, cumin, and a saffron-like golden hue, often served at family gatherings.
105 min 6 720 cal

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Dampukht — Afghan Slow-Steamed Basmati Rice with Cumin and Raisins - authentic afghan recipe

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Afghan · Rice Dishes

Dampukht (دمپخت) — Afghan Slow-Steamed Basmati Rice with Cumin and Raisins

Dampukht is a beloved Afghan method of slow-steaming rice in a sealed pot so every grain turns fluffy and fragrant. This version layers basmati with cumin, caramelized onion, and sweet raisins for a classic family-style pilaf.

75 min 6 390 cal

Hamsili Pilav — Black Sea Anchovy-Wrapped Rice - authentic turkish recipe

Turkish · Rice Dishes

Hamsili Pilav (Hamsili Pilav) — Black Sea Anchovy-Wrapped Rice

A signature dish of Turkey’s Black Sea coast, Hamsili Pilav layers fragrant herb rice with fresh anchovies, then bakes until crisp. It’s traditionally made in winter when hamsi are at their best and served as a proud regional centerpiece.

80 min 6 520 cal

Shah Plov — Azerbaijani Royal Saffron Rice Wrapped in Pastry - authentic azerbaijani recipe

Azerbaijani · Rice Dishes

Shah Plov (Şah Plov) — Azerbaijani Royal Saffron Rice Wrapped in Pastry

Shah Plov is Azerbaijan’s celebratory “king of pilafs,” where fragrant saffron rice and jeweled dried fruits are sealed in a crisp lavash crust. It’s traditionally served at weddings and holidays, sliced like a cake to reveal the golden interior.

120 min 8 740 cal

Qabili Uzbeki — Afghan Carrot and Raisin Pilaf with Chicken - authentic afghan recipe

Afghan · Rice Dishes

Qabili Uzbeki (قابلی اوزبکی) — Afghan Carrot and Raisin Pilaf with Chicken

Qabili Uzbeki is a celebratory Afghan pilaf crowned with sweet carrots and raisins over fragrant, spiced rice and tender chicken. Often served for guests and holidays, it balances savory broth, warm spices, and a jeweled topping.

120 min 6 725 cal

Kabuli Palaw — Afghan Lamb and Carrot Rice with Raisins - authentic afghan recipe

Afghan · Rice Dishes

Kabuli Palaw (قابلی پلو) — Afghan Lamb and Carrot Rice with Raisins

Kabuli Palaw is Afghanistan’s signature celebratory rice, crowned with sweet carrots and raisins over fragrant lamb. Its balance of warm spices and delicate sweetness reflects Central Asian trade routes and Afghan hospitality.

140 min 6 760 cal

Shirin Polo — Persian Sweet Rice with Orange Peel and Barberries - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Shirin Polo (شیرین پلو) — Persian Sweet Rice with Orange Peel and Barberries

Shirin Polo is a celebratory Persian rice dish perfumed with saffron, candied orange peel, and jeweled barberries. Often served at weddings and Nowruz tables, it balances sweet, tart, and aromatic notes in classic Iranian style.

115 min 6 610 cal

Dampokhtak-e Adas — Persian One-Pot Lentil Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Dampokhtak-e Adas (دمپختک عدس) — Persian One-Pot Lentil Rice

Dampokhtak-e Adas is a comforting Persian one-pot rice dish where lentils and rice steam together until fluffy and deeply savory. It is a classic home-style meal (often made when you want something nourishing and economical) and is traditionally served with yogurt and pickles for contrast.

75 min 4 540 cal

Qabuli Palaw — Afghan Spiced Rice with Meat, Chickpeas, Dates & Bitter Orange - authentic international recipe

Afghan · Rice Dishes

Qabuli Palaw (قابلی پلو) — Afghan Spiced Rice with Meat, Chickpeas, Dates & Bitter Orange

A celebratory Afghan rice dish with tender meat, fluffy basmati, chickpeas, and a fragrant spice broth. Finished with fried dates and bright bitter-orange zest for a sweet-savory, aromatic centerpiece.

210 min 6 805 cal

Adas Polo Makhsoos — Special Persian Lentil Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Adas Polo Makhsoos (عدس پلو مخصوص) — Special Persian Lentil Rice

Adas Polo Makhsoos is celebratory Persian lentil rice layered with fragrant basmati, spiced ground meat, sweet dates and raisins, and a crisp potato crust. Finished with saffron water and slivered almonds for a rich sweet-savory balance.

145 min 6 763 cal

Kashmish Polow — Persian Raisin Rice with Lamb - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Kashmish Polow (کشمش پلو) — Persian Raisin Rice with Lamb

Kashmish Polow is a celebratory Persian layered rice dish with tender lamb, sweet raisins, saffron aroma, and a crisp tahdig base. Warm spices, tomatoes, and onions create a balanced sweet-savory centerpiece for gatherings.

210 min 6 790 cal

Kabuli Pilaf — Afghan Celebratory Rice with Meat - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Kabuli Pilaf (قابلی پلو) — Afghan Celebratory Rice with Meat

Kabuli Pilaf is a celebratory Afghan rice dish with tender meat, fluffy long-grain rice, chickpeas, and warm spices. This version highlights fried dates and bright bitter orange zest for a balanced sweet-savory finish.

215 min 6 842 cal

Tahchin Tahdig — Persian Saffron Yogurt Rice Crust - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Tahchin Tahdig (ته چین ته دیگ) — Persian Saffron Yogurt Rice Crust

Tahchin Tahdig is a Persian saffron-yogurt rice crust baked on the stovetop until deeply golden and crisp. Eggs bind the rice into a sliceable cake, while saffron perfumes every bite.

140 min 6 410 cal

Saardi Polo — Persian Spiced Carrot and Raisin Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Saardi Polo (سردی پلو) — Persian Spiced Carrot and Raisin Rice

Saardi Polo is a celebratory Persian layered rice dish with spiced ground meat, sweet julienned carrots, and raisins. Fragrant saffron and warm spices create a balanced, jewel-like pilaf perfect for gatherings.

145 min 6 620 cal

Adas Polo Makhsoos — Persian Special Lentil Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Adas Polo Makhsoos (عدس پلو مخصوص) — Persian Special Lentil Rice

Adas Polo Makhsoos is a celebratory Persian rice layered with tender lentils, spiced ground meat, and a sweet garnish of dates and raisins. Finished with saffron and almonds, it balances savory warmth and fragrant sweetness.

145 min 6 740 cal

Chelo & Polow — Persian Steamed Rice with Tahdig - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Chelo & Polow (چلو و پلو) — Persian Steamed Rice with Tahdig

A master guide to Persian rice: Chelo (plain) and Polow (mixed). Learn soaking, parboiling, steaming, and creating crisp golden tahdig for long, separate grains every time.

150 min 6 372 cal

Chelo va Polow — Persian Steamed Rice & Mixed Rice Master Method - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Chelo va Polow (چلو و پلو) — Persian Steamed Rice & Mixed Rice Master Method

A detailed Persian master method for Chelo (plain steamed rice) and Polow (mixed rice), focused on long, separate grains and crisp golden tahdig. Includes exact ratios, timing, and troubleshooting for consistent results anywhere.

145 min 6 330 cal

Tahchin-e Alu Esfenaj va Morgh — Persian Saffron Rice Cake with Chicken, Spinach, and Plums - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Tahchin-e Alu Esfenaj va Morgh (ته چین آلو اسفناج و مرغ) — Persian Saffron Rice Cake with Chicken, Spinach, and Plums

A celebratory Persian saffron rice cake with a crisp golden crust, layered with tender chicken, sautéed spinach, and tart-sweet dried plums. Yogurt and eggs bind the rice into a sliceable, fragrant centerpiece.

165 min 6 690 cal

Shir Polow — Persian Saffron Milk Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Shir Polow (شیر پلو) — Persian Saffron Milk Rice

Shir Polow is a celebratory Persian rice dish simmered in milk and saffron, then layered with spiced meatballs, raisins, and pistachios. Creamy, aromatic, and jewel-like, it’s ideal for festive tables.

140 min 6 760 cal

Chelo — Persian Fluffy Steamed Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Chelo (چلو) — Persian Fluffy Steamed Rice

Chelo is classic Persian steamed basmati rice made by rinsing, soaking, parboiling, then steaming for long, separate grains and a light, airy texture—perfect alongside kebabs and stews.

125 min 6 344 cal

Morasa Polow — Persian Jeweled Rice with Chicken - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Morasa Polow (مرصع پلو) — Persian Jeweled Rice with Chicken

A festive Persian centerpiece of fluffy saffron basmati topped with barberries, golden raisins, candied orange peel, and nuts, served with tender chicken. Bright, sweet-tart, and aromatic for celebrations.

180 min 6 860 cal

Kabuli Pilaf — Afghan Meat and Chickpea Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Kabuli Pilaf (قابلی پلو) — Afghan Meat and Chickpea Rice

Kabuli Pilaf is a celebratory Afghan rice dish with tender meat, fluffy basmati, chickpeas, and a sweet-savory topping of fried dates brightened with bitter orange zest and warm spices.

720 min 6 820 cal

Tahchin-e Goosht — Persian Saffron Rice Cake with Lamb - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Tahchin-e Goosht (ته چین گوشت) — Persian Saffron Rice Cake with Lamb

Golden Persian saffron rice cake with a crisp tahdig crust, layered with spiced lamb, tart barberries, and walnuts. Yogurt and eggs bind the rice into a sliceable, aromatic centerpiece.

150 min 8 520 cal

Chelow — Persian Steamed Rice with Golden Saffron Tahdig - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Chelow (چلو) — Persian Steamed Rice with Golden Saffron Tahdig

Classic Persian chelow: long-grain basmati steamed until fluffy, with a crisp golden saffron tahdig made from yogurt and egg yolk. A foundational rice for stews and kebabs, prized for aroma and texture.

125 min 6 386 cal