Reshteh Polo is a traditional Persian dish that combines rice, noodles, and a mix of herbs and spices to create a flavorful and hearty meal. This dish is popular in Iran and is often served on special occasions and holidays. Reshteh Polo is made by cooking Persian noodles, called reshteh, and rice together in a pot with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The result is a fragrant and delicious rice dish that is bursting with flavors.
The noodles used in Reshteh Polo are typically thin and flat, similar to fettuccine noodles. These noodles are first cooked in boiling water until they are tender and then set aside. In a separate pot, the rice is parboiled and then drained. The rice and cooked noodles are then layered together with saffron-infused rice and mixed with a blend of herbs and spices, such as dill, coriander, and turmeric. The pot is covered and cooked over low heat until the rice is fluffy and the flavors have melded together. The end result is a beautiful and aromatic dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Ingredients for Reshteh Polo (Persian Noodle Rice)
Reshteh Polo is a traditional Persian dish made with rice, lentils, and noodles. This flavorful and hearty dish is perfect for special occasions and gatherings. Here are the key ingredients you will need to make Reshteh Polo:
- Rice: The base of Reshteh Polo is fragrant and fluffy basmati rice. It is important to use good quality rice for the best results.
- Lentils: Lentils provide a rich and earthy flavor to the dish. They add a protein-packed element and make the dish more filling.
- Noodles: Reshteh Polo is unique because it includes thin, Persian noodles called reshteh. These noodles add a wonderful texture to the dish and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Onions: Onions are sautéed until golden brown and caramelized. They add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
- Ground meat: Reshteh Polo can be made with either ground beef or ground chicken. The meat is browned and seasoned with aromatic spices.
- Advieh: Advieh is a Persian spice blend that adds warmth and depth of flavor to the dish. It typically includes a combination of cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and cloves.
- Ghee or butter: Ghee or butter is used to sauté the onions and meat, adding richness and enhancing the flavors of the dish.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Broth is used to cook the rice and lentils, infusing them with flavor and ensuring they cook evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Reshteh Polo (Persian Noodle Rice)
Making Reshteh Polo, a traditional Persian dish, involves several steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you prepare this delicious rice dish:
- Prepare the ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of Basmati rice
- 1 cup of Persian noodles (Reshteh)
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pound of chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground saffron
- 2 cups of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
- Wash the rice:
- Toast the noodles:
- Sauté the onions and chicken:
- Cook the rice:
- Add the noodles:
- Serve and garnish:
Start by rinsing the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any excess starch and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and add the Persian noodles (Reshteh). Toast them over medium heat until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
In a large pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté the thinly sliced onion until translucent. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. Sprinkle the turmeric, cinnamon, saffron, salt, and pepper over the chicken and mix well.
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot with the sautéed onions and chicken. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
Gently mix in the toasted noodles (Reshteh) with the cooked rice, making sure they are evenly distributed. Cover the pot and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Transfer the Reshteh Polo to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired. This traditional Persian dish is now ready to be enjoyed!
Tips from Professional Chefs for Making Reshteh Polo (Persian Noodle Rice)
When preparing Reshteh Polo, there are several important tips to keep in mind that can help you achieve the authentic and delicious Persian flavors. Here are some tips from professional chefs:
- Use the Right Type of Noodles: To prepare Reshteh Polo, it is crucial to use Reshteh noodles, which are also known as Persian noodles. These noodles are different from regular pasta noodles and have a unique texture. They are made from wheat flour and have a flat, ribbon-like shape. You can find Reshteh noodles at Persian grocery stores or online. Avoid substituting with other types of noodles, as they won’t give the same taste and texture to the dish.
- Soak the Noodles: Before cooking the Reshteh noodles, it is essential to soak them in hot water. This step helps soften the noodles and ensures they are evenly cooked. Place the noodles in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes until they become soft but still hold their shape. Drain the noodles before adding them to the rice.
- Layer the Ingredients: To achieve the perfect Reshteh Polo, it is recommended to layer the ingredients in the pot. Start with a layer of cooked basmati rice at the bottom, followed by a layer of Reshteh noodles, a layer of saffron-infused rice, and then repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used. This layering technique ensures that the flavors of the noodles and rice are well-distributed throughout the dish.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Reshteh Polo turns out flavorful and authentic, just like the ones made by professional Persian chefs.
Reviews
I recently tried the Reshteh Polo dish for the first time, and I was absolutely blown away by the flavors and textures of this dish. The combination of tender rice, hearty noodles, and flavorful spices created a truly unique and satisfying meal.
The process of preparing Reshteh Polo was also a joy. I followed the recipe carefully, sautéing the onions and garlic until fragrant, then adding the lamb and browning it to perfection. The addition of turmeric, cinnamon, and saffron elevated the flavors even more, providing a rich and aromatic base for the dish.
Once the rice and noodles were added to the pot, the dish started to come together. The noodles soaked up the flavors of the spices and became delightfully crispy, adding a wonderful textural contrast to the fluffy rice. The final step of steaming the dish allowed all the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious and delicious meal.
I recently tried making Reshteh Polo, a traditional Persian dish, and I must say it was a delight. As a lover of rice dishes, I was excited to give this recipe a try, and it did not disappoint. The combination of tender rice, chewy noodles, and fragrant spices created a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
The recipe called for Reshteh noodles, which are unique to Persian cuisine and add a wonderful texture to the dish. I was able to find them at a local Middle Eastern store, and they were worth the extra effort. The noodles have a slightly thick and chewy consistency that pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice. They also absorb the flavors of the spices and broth, adding an extra depth of flavor to the dish.
The spices used in Reshteh Polo, such as cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin, create a warm and aromatic base for the dish. The combination of these spices gives the rice a beautiful golden color and an enticing aroma. It’s like a burst of flavors in every bite. I especially loved how the spices complemented the noodles and created a harmonious balance of flavors.
To finish off the dish, I topped the Reshteh Polo with crispy fried onions and raisins. The caramelized onions added a sweet and savory element, while the raisins provided a burst of sweetness. This contrast of flavors and textures elevated the dish and added a delightful finishing touch.
All in all, making and enjoying Reshteh Polo was a wonderful culinary experience. It allowed me to explore a new cuisine and discover unique flavors. I would highly recommend trying this recipe, whether you are a fan of Persian cuisine or simply looking to try something new. It’s a dish that is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.
I recently tried the Reshteh Polo (Persian Noodle Rice), and it was absolutely delicious! As someone who loves Persian cuisine, I was excited to give this dish a try, and it did not disappoint. The combination of flavors and textures in the Reshteh Polo was simply amazing.
The dish consisted of tender, long-grain rice mixed with perfectly cooked reshteh (Persian noodles), which added a unique twist to the traditional rice dish. The reshteh added a chewy and slightly nutty flavor to the rice, making each bite a delightful surprise. The rice was also infused with aromatic spices, like saffron and cumin, which gave it a beautiful golden color and a rich, fragrant taste.
What really stood out to me about the Reshteh Polo was the addition of tender and juicy chicken pieces, as well as caramelized onions and raisins. These ingredients added a perfect balance of sweetness and savory to the dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The caramelized onions added a subtle sweetness, while the raisins brought a burst of fruity flavor.
I would highly recommend trying the Reshteh Polo (Persian Noodle Rice) to anyone looking to explore the flavors of Persian cuisine. It’s a dish that combines simple ingredients with complex flavors, resulting in a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a fan of rice dishes or looking to try something new, the Reshteh Polo is definitely worth a try!
I recently tried Reshteh Polo (Persian Noodle Rice) for the first time and it was absolutely delicious. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is just amazing. The rice is perfectly cooked and mixed with saffron, which gives it a beautiful golden color and a subtle floral taste. The noodles add a nice chewiness to the dish, and the addition of lentils and raisins provides a touch of sweetness. The dish is also garnished with fried onions, which add a nice crunch.
One thing I really liked about Reshteh Polo is that it is a complete meal in itself. It has all the essential components – rice, noodles, lentils, and raisins – so you don’t have to worry about making any side dishes. It is also quite filling, so you won’t feel hungry after eating it.
The recipe for Reshteh Polo is fairly simple, but it does require some time and patience. You need to soak the rice and noodles beforehand, and then cook them separately before mixing them together. The result is a dish that looks and tastes incredibly impressive, as if you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen.
I would highly recommend trying Reshteh Polo if you enjoy Persian cuisine or are looking to try something new. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that will definitely impress your taste buds. Plus, it’s a great way to explore the rich culinary traditions of Iran. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!
