Saffron Lima Bean Rice with Dill
Saffron Lima Bean Rice with Dill is a vibrant and aromatic Persian dish that combines fluffy basmati rice with tender lima beans and the refreshing flavor of freshly chopped dill. This vegetarian delight boasts layers of fragrant spices and a hint of saffron, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Traditionally served alongside roasted chicken, this dish beautifully balances rich flavors with a burst of freshness. Enjoy it as a wholesome vegetarian entrée or as an exquisite side dish at your next family gathering or celebration.
N/A
Servings
500
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati rice
3 cups (cooked)
Frozen lima beans
14 ounces (thawed)
Fresh dill
3 bunches (freshly chopped (about 5.5 cups))
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Plain yogurt
2 tablespoons (none)
Saffron
1 pinch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water)
Advieh spice mix
3 teaspoons (none)
Canola oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Then, stir in the frozen lima beans and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
2
In a small bowl, dissolve a pinch of saffron in 2 teaspoons of hot water, then stir in the yogurt and mix well. Take 1/2 cup of the cooked basmati rice and combine it with the yogurt mixture. Set aside.
3
In a large pot, pour in enough water to thinly cover the bottom. Add 3 tablespoons of canola oil and swirl to combine. This will help prevent sticking.
4
Start layering the pot by adding a third of the remaining basmati rice, followed by a portion of the saffron-yogurt rice mixture, and then sprinkle a handful of chopped dill over the top.
5
Repeat the process by layering with another third of the basmati rice, a layer of lima beans, more chopped dill, and 1 teaspoon of advieh spices.
6
Continue layering until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a final layer of basmati rice on top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of advieh over the top layer.
7
Using the handle of a wooden spatula, create several holes around the perimeter of the pot to allow steam to escape. Make sure to avoid disturbing the yogurt-rice layer at the bottom.
8
Cover the pot with a lid and place it on high heat for 10 minutes to generate steam. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low, place a towel over the lid to trap moisture, and let it cook for 1 hour.
9
Halfway through cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or additional oil and drizzle it over the rice. For an extra flavor boost, you can add a pinch of saffron into the melted butter or oil before drizzling.
10
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat. Let it rest for 10 minutes before uncovering. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, incorporating the layers and serving warm.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
91g
Carbs
12g
Protein
7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saffron Lima Bean Rice with Dill?
It is a vibrant and aromatic Persian dish, also known as Baghali Polo, that combines fluffy basmati rice with tender lima beans, freshly chopped dill, and fragrant spices like saffron.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Saffron Lima Bean Rice with Dill is a wholesome vegetarian entrée or side dish.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include basmati rice, frozen lima beans, fresh dill, garlic, plain yogurt, saffron, and Advieh spice mix.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 3 cups of cooked basmati rice.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 500 calories in a serving of this dish.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12g of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 12g of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content?
Each serving contains 7g of dietary fiber.
How many carbohydrates are in this rice dish?
There are 91g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves to be minced and sautéed until fragrant.
How much fresh dill is required?
You will need 3 bunches of fresh dill, which is approximately 5.5 cups when freshly chopped.
How do I prepare the saffron?
Dissolve a pinch of saffron in 2 teaspoons of hot water before mixing it with yogurt or melted butter.
What is Advieh spice mix?
Advieh is a traditional Persian spice blend used to add depth and warmth to rice dishes; this recipe uses 3 teaspoons.
How do I prepare the lima beans?
Thaw 14 ounces of frozen lima beans, then sauté them with minced garlic, salt, and pepper for about 5 minutes.
What is the purpose of the plain yogurt?
Two tablespoons of yogurt are mixed with saffron and a portion of rice to create a flavorful layer at the bottom of the pot.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?
Pour enough water to cover the bottom of the pot and add 3 tablespoons of canola oil before you begin layering the rice.
How do you layer the ingredients?
Layer the pot with basmati rice, the saffron-yogurt mixture, lima beans, chopped dill, and Advieh spices in repeating layers.
Why do I need to poke holes in the rice?
Using a spatula handle to create holes allows steam to escape and ensures even cooking throughout the rice layers.
How long do I cook the rice on high heat?
The rice should be cooked on high heat for 10 minutes initially to generate steam.
What is the total steaming time on low heat?
After the initial 10 minutes on high heat, reduce to medium-low and steam for 1 hour.
Why is a towel placed over the lid?
A towel is placed over the lid to trap moisture and ensure the rice remains fluffy and well-steamed.
When should I add butter to the rice?
Halfway through the 1-hour steaming process, drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter or oil over the rice.
Can I add extra flavor to the butter drizzle?
Yes, you can add a pinch of saffron into the melted butter before drizzling it over the rice for an extra flavor boost.
How long should the rice rest after cooking?
Once removed from the heat, let the pot rest covered for 10 minutes before fluffing and serving.
What is a common side dish for this recipe?
This dish is traditionally served alongside roasted chicken.
What oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe suggests using canola oil for sautéing the garlic and beans and for coating the bottom of the pot.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 distinct ingredients required for this dish.
What is the origin of this dish?
This is a classic dish from Persian (Middle Eastern) cuisine.
How do you finish the dish before serving?
Once the rice has rested, fluff it gently with a fork to incorporate all the layers.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe, providing significant fiber and protein while being vegetarian-friendly.