Persian lentil rice layered with basmati, caramelized onions, raisins, dates, saffron, cinnamon, and a crisp tahdig base.
25 min prep 40 min cook 20 min rest
Keeps the screen on · step-by-step guide · built-in timer
Wash the basmati rice, soak it in salted water for 20 minutes, and drain.
Boil the green lentils with 2 cups of water for 18 minutes, keeping them firm, then drain.
Parboil the rice in plenty of salted boiling water for 6 minutes and drain.
Finely slice the onions and caramelize them in olive oil for 12 minutes.
Add the raisins, chopped dates, cinnamon, and turmeric to the onions and turn for 3 minutes.
Add a little olive oil to the pot and layer the rice, lentils, and onion mixture.
Bloom the saffron in 3 tablespoons of hot water and drizzle over the rice.
Steam the adas polo in the covered pot over low heat for 22 minutes.
💡 Tip: Parboiling and draining the rice keeps the grains firm; basmati is closer to adas polo texture than the baldo rice common in Turkey.
🍽️ Serving suggestion: Invert the rice onto a wide platter and serve it like a main dish with strained yogurt and pickles if desired.
Approximate vitamin / mineral assessment based on the recipe's ingredients. For precise nutrition tracking, consult a doctor or dietitian.
~470
kcal calories
16
g protein
72
g carbs
14
g fat
38.9g
Sugar
9.2g
Fiber
1178.7mg
Sodium
1.6g
Saturated fat
Approximate values, derived from ingredient amounts using USDA FoodData Central and TÜBİTAK Turkish Food Composition Database. Actual values can vary by roughly ±20% depending on cooking method, brand, and portion size. For diet or medical conditions, consult a dietitian or doctor.
Strong satiety, counts as a main meal
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