Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/15 checked
4
servings
1 cup

Basmati rice

cleaned, rinsed, and drained

2 tbsp

Ghee

0.25 tsp

Kosher salt

2 cup

Boiling water

1 unit

Fennel bulb

thinly sliced

1 cup

Shallots

thinly sliced

1 cup

Sweet mini peppers

cut into strips

2 tbsp

Olive oil

1 pinch

Salt

to taste

1 pinch

Black peppercorn

freshly cracked, to taste

1.5 cup

Green garbanzo

fresh

1 tbsp

Ghee

1 tsp

Green fennel seeds

0.25 cup

Fennel leaf fronds

1 pinch

Paprika

powder

Step 1
~4 min

Melt ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.

Step 2
~4 min

Add basmati rice and toast until fragrant.

Step 3
~4 min

Add boiling water and salt, stir to dislodge grains.

Step 4
~4 min

Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until liquid is absorbed (about 20 minutes).

Step 5
~4 min

Fluff rice and set aside.

Step 6
~4 min

Thinly slice fennel bulb using a mandolin; reserve fronds.

Step 7
~4 min

Combine fennel, shallots, and sweet peppers in a bowl.

Step 8
~4 min

Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.

Step 9
~4 min

Layer vegetables on a baking sheet and roast at 450°F until shallots are translucent and caramelized (about 30 minutes).

Step 10
~4 min

Steam green garbanzo beans (or edamame) until done and set aside.

Step 11
~4 min

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked rice, steamed garbanzo beans, and roasted fennel mixture.

Step 12
~4 min

Heat ghee until almost smoking, add fennel and nigella seeds.

Step 13
~4 min

Once fennel seeds 'split', pour the tempering into the rice mixture.

Step 14
~4 min

Add paprika (optional).

Step 15
~4 min

Gently fold to combine ingredients, taste, and adjust seasoning.

Step 16
~4 min

Garnish with fennel fronds and serve warm with tzatziki, raita, or yogurt.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Toast the rice well to enhance its nutty flavor.

Be careful not to burn the ghee when tempering.

Adjust the roasting time based on the thickness of your vegetable slices.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made ahead and reheated.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with tzatziki or raita.

Pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled chicken
Grilled fish
Roasted lamb

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Middle East

Cultural Significance

Polo is a traditional Persian rice dish often served at celebrations.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Nowruz (Persian New Year)

Occasion Tags

Dinner party
Holiday
Weeknight meal

Popularity Score

65/100

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