Saffron Lentil Pilaf with Golden Onions and Sweet Raisins
This exquisite Persian dish, known as Adas Polo, blends the nutty flavors of lentils with fragrant basmati rice, richly infused saffron, and the sweetness of caramelized onions and raisins. Traditionally served at celebrations, this delightful pilaf is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nourishing choice for any meal. The process of boiling and steaming ensures that each grain of rice remains fluffy and infused with the aroma of spices, making this dish irresistible to all. Perfect for gatherings, it brings a touch of Iranian culinary heritage to your table.
8
Servings
325
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati rice
3 cups (Rinsed thoroughly)
Water for rice
10 cups (N/A)
Lentils
1 1/2 cups (Rinsed thoroughly)
Water for lentils
8 cups (N/A)
Oil
4 tablespoons (Divided)
Salt
2 teaspoons (Divided)
Saffron
1/4 teaspoon (Dissolved in hot water)
Onions
2 (Thinly sliced)
Garlic cloves
2 (Chopped)
Raisins
1 cup (N/A)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly rinsing the lentils under cold running water. In a medium-sized pot, combine the lentils with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain the lentils in a colander, reserving the cooking liquid. Dissolve the saffron in a small amount of hot water, then combine it with the drained lentils. Set aside.
2
Next, rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. In a large pot, add 10 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of oil, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil. When boiling, add the rice and cook on high heat for 10 to 15 minutes until the rice is slightly softened. Drain the rice in a large colander and rinse with warm water to remove excess starch.
3
Select a large heavy-bottomed pot for steaming. Coat the bottom of the pot with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Layer 1/3 of the rice in the pot, followed by 1/3 of the lentils. Repeat these layers until all the rice and lentils are used, forming a pyramid shape with the mixture. Cover the pot with a lid and steam over medium to medium-low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to become fluffy.
4
While the rice and lentils are steaming, prepare the caramelized onions. Slice the onions thinly and add them to a skillet with 3 tablespoons of oil over low heat. Cook the onions gently, checking them every 5 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and scrape any fond that develops at the bottom of the skillet, allowing the onions to become beautifully golden and sweetened, which typically takes 30 to 40 minutes.
5
Once the onions are caramelized, add the raisins, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, additional salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring to combine and heat through. When the rice is ready, carefully spoon the lentil rice onto a serving platter and generously top with the caramelized onion and raisin mixture. Serve warm, and enjoy the collective flavors of this Persian classic!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
68g
Carbs
6g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saffron Lentil Pilaf?
Known traditionally as Adas Polo, it is a classic Persian dish featuring basmati rice, lentils, saffron, and a topping of caramelized onions and raisins.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What type of rice should I use?
Long-grain basmati rice is recommended for its fragrance and ability to remain fluffy after steaming.
How long should the lentils be boiled?
Lentils should be cooked for 10 to 15 minutes until tender but not mushy.
How do I prepare the saffron for this dish?
Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of saffron in a small amount of hot water before mixing it with the cooked lentils.
Why is the rice rinsed before cooking?
Rinsing the rice until the water runs clear removes excess starch, which prevents the grains from sticking together.
How long does the rice need to boil initially?
The rice should be parboiled in salted water for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly softened.
What is the purpose of the steaming step?
Steaming for 30 to 40 minutes allows the flavors to meld and ensures the rice becomes perfectly fluffy.
How do I layer the rice and lentils in the pot?
Layer 1/3 of the rice followed by 1/3 of the lentils, repeating until finished and forming a pyramid shape.
What is the secret to perfect caramelized onions?
Cook thinly sliced onions on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the fond from the pan.
What spices are used for the onion and raisin topping?
The topping is seasoned with cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian and also naturally vegan.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 325 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 6 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 68 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 chopped garlic cloves for added flavor.
Can I substitute the raisins?
While raisins are traditional for sweetness, some variations use dates or barberries (zereshk).
How much water is needed to boil the lentils?
You will need 8 cups of water to cook the 1 1/2 cups of lentils.
How much water is needed to boil the rice?
The recipe calls for 10 cups of water to parboil the 3 cups of rice.
What should I do after draining the parboiled rice?
Rinse the rice with warm water in a colander to remove any remaining surface starch.
What kind of pot is best for steaming the pilaf?
A large heavy-bottomed pot is best to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
Should the lentils be rinsed?
Yes, lentils should be thoroughly rinsed under cold running water before boiling.
How much fiber is in this meal?
There is approximately 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
When do I add the raisins to the onions?
Add the raisins once the onions have become golden and sweetened, typically after 30-40 minutes of cooking.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
While it is often served as a side dish, its protein content from lentils makes it a satisfying vegetarian main.
What temperature should I use for steaming?
Set the heat to medium to medium-low to steam the rice and lentils without scorching the bottom.
What does 'fond' mean in the instructions?
Fond refers to the brown, flavorful bits that develop at the bottom of the skillet while cooking the onions.
How do I serve Adas Polo?
Spoon the rice and lentils onto a platter and top generously with the spiced onion and raisin mixture.
What culture does this dish come from?
This dish is a part of Iranian (Persian) culinary heritage.