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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
Polo-ye Sadeh ba Ta'm-e Helo Mikhak (پلو ساده با طعم هل و میخک) — Persian Aromatic Cardamom and Clove Rice
Fluffy Persian-style basmati rice perfumed with cardamom, cloves, and a whisper of rose water. This elegant polo uses the classic parboil-and-steam method for separate grains and a warm, aromatic finish.
105 min 6 298 cal

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Polow-e Gharch va Morgh — Persian Mushroom and Chicken Pilaf - authentic persian recipe

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Persian · Rice Dishes

Polow-e Gharch va Morgh (پلو قارچ و مرغ) — Persian Mushroom and Chicken Pilaf

A fragrant Persian layered pilaf combining fluffy basmati rice, saffron-brewed chicken fillets, sautéed mushrooms, sweet bell peppers, and crisp fried onions. Finished with a golden tahdig for a vibrant, aromatic centerpiece.

140 min 6 690 cal

Tahchin Sadeh va Esfanaj Ghalebi — Persian Layered Saffron Rice Cake with Spinach - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Tahchin Sadeh va Esfanaj Ghalebi (ته چین ساده و اسفناج قالبی) — Persian Layered Saffron Rice Cake with Spinach

A celebratory Persian tahchin baked as a golden saffron rice cake with a crisp tahdig crust, layered around sautéed spinach, barberries, pistachios, and tender chicken. Sliceable, fragrant, and richly comforting.

150 min 8 560 cal

Cheeken Polo — Persian-Style Savory Chicken Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Cheeken Polo (چیکن پلو) — Persian-Style Savory Chicken Rice

Cheeken Polo is a Persian-inspired chicken and rice dish with sautéed onion, tomato, bell peppers, herbs, and fresh lemon. Bright, comforting, and aromatic, it’s finished with buttery rice and a lightly crisp bottom.

105 min 4 675 cal

Chelo Goosht Semnani — Semnani Lamb with Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Chelo Goosht Semnani (چلو گوشت سمنانی) — Semnani Lamb with Rice

A Semnan-style slow-braised lamb neck served with fluffy saffron rice. Onions, tomato paste, cinnamon, and saffron create a rich, aromatic gravy while the meat turns fall-apart tender.

240 min 4 890 cal

Dami Gojeh Farangi — Persian Tomato Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Dami Gojeh Farangi (دمی گوجه فرنگی) — Persian Tomato Rice

Dami Gojeh Farangi is a classic Persian one-pot tomato rice with tender potatoes and a deep, savory tomato aroma. Fluffy basmati steams in tomato broth for a ruby color and comforting, home-style taste.

110 min 4 480 cal

Shirin Polo — Persian Carrot and Raisin Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Shirin Polo (شیرین پلو) — Persian Carrot and Raisin Rice

A celebratory Persian layered rice dish with fragrant basmati, sweet julienned carrots, plump raisins, savory spiced ground meat, and crisp tahdig. Warm spices and fried onions make it aromatic, colorful, and festive.

110 min 6 690 cal

Kaleh Pacheh Polo — Persian Lamb Head and Trotter Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Kaleh Pacheh Polo (کله پاچه پلو) — Persian Lamb Head and Trotter Rice

Kaleh Pacheh Polo is a celebratory Persian rice dish pairing tender, gelatin-rich lamb head and trotters with fragrant basmati, sweet-tart dried fruits, tangy kashk, and aromatic herbs and spices.

480 min 8 760 cal

Tahchin Morgh — Persian Saffron Rice Cake with Chicken - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Tahchin Morgh (ته چین مرغ) — Persian Saffron Rice Cake with Chicken

Tahchin Morgh is a celebratory Persian saffron rice cake with a crisp golden crust and tender chicken center. Strained yogurt, egg yolks, and saffron perfume the rice, creating a sliceable, tahdig-style masterpiece.

200 min 8 610 cal

Keshmesh Polo — Persian Saffron Rice with Lamb and Raisins - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Keshmesh Polo (کشمش پلو) — Persian Saffron Rice with Lamb and Raisins

Keshmesh Polo is celebratory Persian rice layered with saffron, sweet raisins, and warmly spiced lamb. Finished with a crisp bread tahdig, it balances sweet-savory flavors and jewel-like color in every bite.

165 min 6 745 cal

Eslamboli Polo — Persian Tomato Rice with Beef - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Eslamboli Polo (اسلامبولی پلو) — Persian Tomato Rice with Beef

Eslamboli Polo is a Persian “red rice” layered with tender beef, fried onions, and tomato. The rice is parboiled, then steamed to create fluffy grains and a crisp tahdig crust with a savory, tangy finish.

165 min 6 700 cal

Nokhod Polo — Persian Chickpea Rice with Asparagus - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Nokhod Polo (نخود پلو) — Persian Chickpea Rice with Asparagus

Nokhod Polo is a fragrant Persian layered rice combining basmati, tender lamb or beef, and chickpeas scented with black cumin and cinnamon. This version adds a delicate steamed asparagus layer for a fresh, earthy balance.

175 min 6 645 cal

Polo Makhlout — Persian Mixed Rice with Meat and Herbs - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Polo Makhlout (پلو مخلوط) — Persian Mixed Rice with Meat and Herbs

Polo Makhlout is a fragrant Persian mixed rice layered with spiced ground meat, dill, and potatoes, finished with a saffron-yogurt tahdig crust. Fluffy basmati grains and savory tomato notes make it a comforting family meal.

150 min 6 620 cal

Lubia Chashm Bolboli Polo — Persian Black-Eyed Pea Rice with Savory Soy Kofta - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Lubia Chashm Bolboli Polo (لوبیا چشم بلبلی پلو) — Persian Black-Eyed Pea Rice with Savory Soy Kofta

Fragrant Persian layered rice with black-eyed peas and saffron, finished with crispy soy kofta. This plant-forward home-style dish balances earthy legumes, warm spices, and a golden tahdig crust.

165 min 6 610 cal

Tahchin Do-Rang — Two-Colored Persian Saffron Rice Cake - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Tahchin Do-Rang (ته چین دو رنگ) — Two-Colored Persian Saffron Rice Cake

Tahchin Do-Rang is a two-toned Persian rice cake with saffron yogurt rice, tender chicken, and fried eggplant. It bakes into a dramatic centerpiece with a crisp golden crust and fragrant saffron aroma.

200 min 8 560 cal

Loobia Polo ba Fileh Morgh — Persian Green Bean Rice with Chicken - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Loobia Polo ba Fileh Morgh (لوبیا پلو با فیله مرغ) — Persian Green Bean Rice with Chicken

Loobia Polo is a fragrant Persian layered rice dish combining tender green beans, spiced tomato sauce, and juicy chicken fillets. Finished with saffron rice and a crisp tahdig, it is comforting yet celebratory.

150 min 6 565 cal

Loobia Polo ba File Murg — Persian Green Bean Rice with Chicken - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Loobia Polo ba File Murg (لوبیا پلو با فیله مرغ) — Persian Green Bean Rice with Chicken

Fragrant Persian layered rice with tender green beans and juicy chicken fillets simmered in a tomato-onion sauce, finished with saffron and a hint of cinnamon. A comforting family-style polo for gatherings or weeknights.

145 min 6 610 cal

Dampokhtak Baqala — Persian Saffron Rice with Yellow Split Peas - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Dampokhtak Baqala (دمپختک باقلا) — Persian Saffron Rice with Yellow Split Peas

A comforting one-pot Persian rice from Tehran: basmati cooked with tender yellow split peas, onion, turmeric, butter, and saffron. Golden, fluffy, and fragrant, it’s ideal with tangy pickles and yogurt.

145 min 6 462 cal

Shushtari Polo — Persian Black-Eyed Pea and Dill Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Shushtari Polo (شوشترى پلو) — Persian Black-Eyed Pea and Dill Rice

Shushtari Polo is a fragrant Persian layered rice from Khuzestan, combining saffron-steamed basmati with tender chicken, black-eyed peas, and fresh dill. Earthy legumes and bright herbs make it festive yet comforting.

170 min 6 655 cal

Dami Ghashneez va Esfenaj — Persian Cilantro and Spinach Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Dami Ghashneez va Esfenaj (دمی گشنیز و اسفناج) — Persian Cilantro and Spinach Rice

A comforting Persian kateh-style one-pot rice infused with spinach and cilantro, cooked in chicken broth for savory depth. Butter and onions add richness, while chicken bones create a homey, aromatic stock-like finish.

145 min 6 420 cal

Gol Kalam Polo — Persian Cauliflower Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Gol Kalam Polo (گل کلم پلو) — Persian Cauliflower Rice

Gol Kalam Polo is a comforting Persian layered rice dish with saffron-steamed basmati, tender cauliflower, and savory spiced minced meat. Turmeric warmth and tomato paste depth make it fragrant, hearty, and weeknight-friendly.

130 min 6 585 cal

Beranj-e Shirazi — Shiraz-Style Jeweled Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Beranj-e Shirazi (برنج شیرازی) — Shiraz-Style Jeweled Rice

Shiraz-style jeweled rice is fluffy basmati scented with saffron and rose water, then topped with barberries, orange zest, and toasted nuts. It is elegant, aromatic, and festive yet achievable at home.

120 min 6 476 cal

Bara Polo — Persian Lamb and Spiced Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Bara Polo (بره پلو) — Persian Lamb and Spiced Rice

Bara Polo is a celebratory Persian layered rice featuring saffron-steamed basmati, tender lamb, sweet raisins, and toasted almonds. Warm spices, herbs, and a touch of sugar create a balanced, Silk Road–influenced centerpiece.

210 min 6 790 cal

Kalleh Pacheh Polo — Persian Sheep’s Head and Trotters Rice - authentic persian recipe

Persian · Rice Dishes

Kalleh Pacheh Polo (کله پاچه پلو) — Persian Sheep’s Head and Trotters Rice

A celebratory Persian rice dish pairing slow-cooked sheep’s head and trotters with fragrant steamed rice, tangy kashk, and a sweet-tart layer of dried plums and apricots, finished with garlic butter and golpar.

510 min 6 860 cal