Microwave Estamboli Polo (Persian Tomato Rice with Meat)

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside. Finely chop the potato and keep ready.

In a deep microwave-safe dish, combine the rinsed rice, grated tomatoes, chopped potato, water, salt, black pepper, and butter or oil. Stir gently to combine, then let the mixture soak for about 1 hour to ensure even cooking.

In a separate shallow microwave-safe dish, mix the ground meat with the fried onions. Microwave uncovered on full power (100%) for 2 minutes.

Dissolve the tomato paste in 1 cup of boiling water and stir it into the partially cooked meat. Mix well.

Cover the meat dish and return it to the microwave on full power for another 2–3 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked and evenly colored.

Place the rice mixture in the microwave uncovered and cook on full power for 16–20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice appears fairly dry.

Gently fold the cooked meat into the rice. Cover the dish and microwave at 60% power for 13–15 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and the flavors to meld.

Remove from the microwave and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork before serving.