What kind is ideal for Adas Polo rice?

The large grains and aromatic scent of basmati rice make it the traditional rice for Adas Polo. To get rid of extra starch, it's crucial to give the rice a good washing before cooking.

How are lentils prepared for Adas Polo?

Cook the rice and lentils in different batches. After giving the lentils a good rinse, cook them in water for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are soft but not mushy. Before adding the lentils to the rice, drain them.

Can I make Adas Polo using any other kind of meat?

Indeed, you may utilize beef, lamb, or chicken among other meat varieties. Although chopped meat might also be utilized, ground beef or lamb is frequently used.

Adas Polo Recipe (Persian Lentil Rice)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Table of Contents

Quick answer

Adas Polo is Persian rice steamed with lentils and often finished with caramelized onions, raisins, dates, cumin, saffron, or an optional ground-meat topping. The base can remain vegetarian. Soak the rice for 1 hour, cook the lentils only until tender, and combine them with parboiled rice before steaming. Total elapsed time is about 2 hours 20 minutes, including soaking.

A dependable Adas Polo recipe keeps the lentils intact and the rice grains separate. Cooking lentils and rice mostly on their own prevents either ingredient from turning mushy, while the toppings let each diner choose a savory or sweet-savory plate.

Adas Polo Persian lentil rice recipe guide

Adas Polo ingredients

The rice-and-lentil base is meat-free. Ground beef or lamb is an optional topping rather than a required part of the dish.

2 cups (400 g) basmati rice
1 cup (190 g) brown or green lentils, rinsed
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup raisins, rinsed and drained
8 pitted dates, halved (optional)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp bloomed saffron (optional)
4 tbsp neutral oil, divided
Fine salt, as needed
Optional meat topping: 10 oz (285 g) ground beef or lamb
Optional meat topping: 1 tbsp tomato paste
Optional meat topping: 1/2 tsp turmeric and 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to make Adas Polo

Cook the lentils until just tender, parboil the rice, then steam them together with cumin and cinnamon. Prepare toppings while the rice steams.

Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear. Soak it in salted water for 1 hour, then drain.
Place the lentils in a saucepan and cover with fresh water by 1 inch. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. Drain well.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rice and parboil for 4 to 7 minutes, until the grains are soft outside but still firm in the center. Add the lentils for the final minute, then drain together.
Oil a nonstick pot. Add a flatbread or potato tahdig if desired, then layer in the rice-lentil mixture, sprinkling cumin and cinnamon between layers. Make steam holes, cover with a towel-wrapped lid, and steam over low heat for 35 to 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the onions in 2 tablespoons oil over medium-low heat until deeply golden. Add the raisins for the final 30 seconds, then remove from heat. Warm the dates separately for about 1 minute if using.
For the optional meat topping, brown the ground meat in a separate skillet. Add tomato paste, turmeric, black pepper, and salt; cook until no pink remains and the mixture is dry rather than watery.
Fluff the rice gently. Add optional saffron rice on top and serve with caramelized onions, raisins, dates, and the optional meat topping.

How to avoid mushy lentils and broken rice

Stop cooking the lentils when they are tender but still hold their shape. Parboil the rice only until each grain is flexible outside and firm at the center. After combining them, handle the mixture lightly and rely on steam—not stirring—to finish cooking.

Vegetarian and meat versions

The core dish is satisfying without meat when served with plenty of caramelized onion, raisins, and dates. For a meat version, cook the topping separately so excess liquid does not make the rice heavy. The same separate-steaming principle also helps recipes such as Persian Tahchin retain their intended texture.

Frequently asked questions

Which lentils work best for Adas Polo?

Brown or green lentils hold their shape better than red lentils. Avoid split red lentils, which soften too quickly for this method.

Do I have to add dates and raisins?

No. They are common sweet-savory toppings, but you can serve the rice with caramelized onion and meat or keep the toppings simple.

Can I make Adas Polo ahead?

Yes. Refrigerate promptly and reheat covered with a splash of water so the rice steams rather than dries out.

Adas Polo recipe card