Bring a taste of Persian tradition to your table with this deliciously fragrant and tasty dish!
Adas Polo is a true Persian classic, blending together the earthiness of lentils, the sweetness of dates and sultanas, and the warmth of spiced meatballs. This beloved dish has graced Iranian tables for centuries, bringing comfort and joy to gatherings both big and small. In my family, it’s a Ramadan favourite, an essential part of iftar that nourishes both body and soul.
A Little Bit About Adas Polo
If you’ve never tried Adas Polo, you’re in for a treat! This dish beautifully balances sweet and savoury notes, showcasing the very essence of Persian cuisine. It’s no wonder Adas Polo is a go to for celebrations, from weddings to family feasts.
Lentils, or “adas” in Persian, are a symbol of prosperity and have long been a staple in Iranian cooking. Paired with fluffy saffron scented rice and caramelised dates and sultanas, this dish is as rich in history as it is in flavour. Some regions in Iran add caramelised onions or tart barberries (zereshk) for a burst of tanginess, while others mix in spiced meatballs or tender shredded meat. Each version is a delightful expression of local culture and culinary tradition.
But what truly makes Adas Polo special is the warmth and love it brings to the dinner table. In our home, it’s a reminder that food is more than just sustenance, it’s about gathering, sharing, and creating memories with loved ones.
My Favourite Dishes to Pair with Adas Polo
Adas Polo is so versatile that it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Traditionally, it’s served with a dollop of creamy yoghurt or a simple salad of fresh herbs and vegetables. I love serving it with Mast-o-Khiar (Persian cucumber yoghurt) or a refreshing Shirazi salad for a burst of freshness alongside the warm, spiced flavours.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with a crispy tahdig (Persian rice crust) for an added crunch. The combination of fluffy saffron rice and golden, crispy tahdig is simply irresistible!
This dish also complements a variety of Persian stews (khoresh), like Ghormeh Sabzi or Fesenjan, for a more elaborate feast. The contrasting textures and flavours create a truly memorable meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Personally, I just love choosing Adas Polo for any menu, especially if I know it’s going to be a chilly day. It’s super easy to make, very nourishing, and incredibly tasty. I think recipes that can be prepared the day before an event definitely hold a special place in my heart because cooking with little ones in the house can become a bit of a marathon!
The Ingredients for Adas Polo
Whilst this is a very traditional recipe, all of the ingredients still bring their own talents to the dish making it the delicious and nourishing meal my family has loved for centuries before me.
Basmati Rice: The long, fragrant grains are perfect for fluffy Persian-style rice.
Green Lentils: Earthy and hearty, they add depth and texture to the dish.
Cinnamon and Saffron: These spices bring warmth and a delicate fragrance, elevating the rice to another level.
Minced Meat (Beef or Lamb): Choose your preferred meat for juicy, flavourful meatballs the whole family will love.
Spices (Cinnamon, Turmeric, Cumin): A mix of aromatic spices creates a beautifully spiced meatball that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savoury rice.
Dates and Sultanas: These add a natural sweetness that balances the savoury lentils and spiced meatballs.
Butter or Oil: Used to lightly sauté the dates and sultanas, enhancing their flavour and giving them a glossy finish.
Step by Step:
- Rinse the lentils and cook in boiling water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Mix minced meat with grated onion, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, salt, black pepper, and fresh coriander. Then, roll into small meatballs and fry until browned on all sides. Set aside.
- Boil soaked basmati rice until the grains are soft on the outside but firm inside. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In the pot, add a layer of rice at the bottom for the crispy tahdig. Alternate layers of lentils, rice, and meatballs, sprinkling cinnamon as you go. Next, drizzle bloomed saffron water over the top for a fragrant finish.
- Cover the pot with a towel-wrapped lid and steam on low heat for about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly sauté dates and sultanas in butter or oil until fragrant.
- Fluff the rice and transfer to a serving dish and garnish with caramelised dates and sultanas. You’re ready to enjoy Adas Polo with your family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Adas Polo vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meatballs for a delicious vegetarian version. You can add caramelised onions or even roasted vegetables for added flavour and texture. The combination of sweet dates, sultanas, and spiced rice is just as satisfying on its own!
I really love making Adas Polo vegetarian for meat free Mondays if I feel like we’ve had a particularly meat-heavy week or if I just feel like making another aspect of the meal the star of the show.
2. Can I use a different type of lentil?
Yes, but be mindful of cooking times. Brown or Puy lentils work well, but red lentils tend to become mushy. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to maintain the right texture!
Experimenting with lentils is a tricky one as we can very quickly upset the balance of textures and end up with something a little… mushy. However, lentils are delicious and I love trying out new combinations so definitely don’t be put off!
3. Can I prepare Adas Polo in advance?
Yes! In fact, the flavours deepen when made a day ahead. Simply reheat gently, and don’t forget to add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out and you’ll be just fine!
Adas Polo is a fantastic dish to make for family gatherings as you can easily do all the prep in the days leading up to the event. It’s also fairly reasonably priced per serving and a hit with pretty much everybody who tries it! Yes, even fussy kids love Adas Polo!
4. Can I substitute sultanas with another dried fruit?
Definitely! You can use raisins, dried apricots, or even dried cherries for a unique twist. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to balance the sweetness. It can be a fun way to involve children in the meal prep by letting them select their dried fruit of choice to add to the meal!
I love sticking to sultanas but more often than not an online shopping delivery has substituted my sultanas for raisins and they work just as well in an Adas Polo!
Adas Polo is more than just a meal, it’s a celebration of Persian heritage and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together. Whether you’re preparing it for a special gathering or a comforting family dinner, this dish carries with it centuries of tradition, love, and hospitality.
If you give my Adas Polo a try, don’t forget to leave a comment or review! I always love hearing your feedback and seeing your creations. Feel free to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest, it truly makes my day!
For more Persian delights or comforting family dishes, visit my main courses page!
Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Love, Nelly 😊
Other Delicious Main Meals
- Persian Saffron Rice With Tahdig
- Persian Lamb Shank (Mahiche)
- Bechamel Pasta Bake (Macarona Bechamel)
- Zereshk Polo Morgh – Persian Barberry Rice with Chicken
- Crispy Honey Ginger Garlic Salmon Bowl
Adas Polo, Easy Persian Lentil Rice with Spiced Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
For the Garnish
Instructions
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Rinse the lentils and cook in boiling water until just tender (about 30 minutes). Drain and set aside.
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Mix minced meat with grated onion, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, salt, black pepper, and fresh coriander. Then, roll into small meatballs and fry until browned on all sides. Set aside.
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Parboil soaked basmati rice until the grains are soft on the outside but firm inside. Drain and rinse with cold water.
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To a large pot, add a layer of rice at the bottom for the crispy tahdig. Alternate layers of lentils, rice, and sprinkling cinnamon as you go. Next, drizzle bloomed saffron water over the top for a fragrant finish.
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Cover the pot with a towel-wrapped lid and steam on low heat for about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly sauté dates and sultanas in butter or oil until fragrant.
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Fluff the rice and transfer to a serving dish and garnish with caramelised dates and sultanas. You’re ready to enjoy Adas Polo with your family and friends!
For the Meatballs
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Grate the onion, drain the liquid and massage with the meat and all the ingredients.
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Roll a teaspoon of the mixture in your hands, one at a time to make the meatballs. When all meatballs are made transfer to a pan and lightly fry with olive oil until golden. Serve on the rice and enjoy!
