Persian Adas Polo

Ingredients

• 3 cups basmati rice, soaked
• 1 cup brown lentils, cooked
• 100g dates, chopped
• 100g raisins
• 3 onions, sliced and caramelised
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp cumin
• Pinch saffron in 4 tbsp warm water
• 4 tbsp ghee or oil
• Salt

Instructions

1. Caramelise the onions slowly in 2 tbsp oil for 20 min until deep brown.
2. Lift out half for topping.
3. Parboil rice in salted water 6 min; drain.
4. Soak dates and raisins in warm water.
5. In a heavy pot with 2 tbsp oil and the remaining caramelised onion, layer: rice, lentils, dates, raisins, cinnamon, cumin.
6. Drizzle saffron water over.
7. Wrap lid in tea towel; cook on low 40 min.
8. Serve with reserved caramelised onions on top.

Serving suggestions

• Lovely as a side or vegetarian main.

Storage & reheating

Keeps 3 days.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is not yet available for this recipe. Values vary with portion size and exact ingredients — we will add verified figures here soon.

Frequently asked questions