Sabzi Baghali Polo (Persian Rice with Herbs and Fava Beans)

~ Plant-Based Persian

Baghali Polo is a traditional Persian rice dish made with fava beans. Sabzi Polo is a separate Persian rice dish made with various herbs. Both are traditionally served with a side of meat. Sabzi Polo is commonly served with fish and is a classic dish to celebrate NowRooz (Persian New Year).

We have combined these two traditional Persian dishes to create a flavorful dish, which can be paired nicely with our plant-based Joojeh Kabob recipe. Fava beans are a source of iron, thiamin, vitamin K, vitamin B-6, potassium, selenium, zinc, and magnesium. I do not know what all that means, but I know it is healthy to eat fava beans! 🙂

I personally love this rice with a simple Persian salad originating from Shiraz called “Salad-e-Shirazi” – 2 tomatoes diced, 1 cucumber diced, 1/4 small red onion diced, 2 Tbsp. lime juice, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.

My kids also love to load their rice with plant-based yogurt; our favorite is Kite Hill Plain Yogurt, which is made from almonds.

Enjoy, and if you like our posts, please be sure to subscribe or follow us on Instagram @plant_basedpersian. I have decided to end my posts with an inspirational quote, because the world needs more hope and positivity.

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” – Napoleon Hill

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Basmati rice
  • 3 Tbsp. salt
  • 14 oz package frozen fava beans*
  • 3 1/2 Tbsp. cooking oil (divided)
  • 1 small yellow onion julienned
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp. turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 6 Tbsp. dried dill
  • 6 Tbsp. dry Sabzi Polo mix**

*Fava beans can be difficult to find. My mother usually goes to a Persian or Asian speciality store to buy fava beans. If not accessible, you could also replace it with lima beans.

** Dry Sabzi Polo mix can be found at Persian, Afghan or other specialty stores. I have even found it on Amazon.

Directions

  1. Prepare Persian Rice
    • Wash over the rice by placing the rice in a large bowl and covering with water. Move the rice with your hand to clean the rice. Pour off the water. Repeat the process 3-4 times until the rice is clean.
    • Fill a large stock pot with water. Add 3 Tbsp. salt. Cover and bring to a boil on high heat. Add rice to the boiling water. Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, for 8 minutes.
    • Add the frozen bag of fava beans to the rice. Cook for 2 more minutes.
    • Drain the rice and fava beans. Place in a large bowl.
  2. Prepare Garlic/Onion Mixture
    • Add 2 Tbsp. oil to a medium sauté pan on medium heat.
    • Add the onion and sauté for 5-6 min until onions are golden.
    • Add the garlic and sauté another 2 minutes.
    • Add turmeric and black pepper and sauté 1 min more.
  3. Combine Persian Rice and Garlic/Onion Mixture and Herbs
    • Add the Garlic/Onion mixture to the rice and fava beans. Mix well.
    • Add dry Sabzi Polo mix and dill. Mix well.
  4. Add 1 Tbsp. water, 1 Tbsp. oil and a dash of turmeric to bottom of large rice cooker (or large non-stick pot with lid). Add rice mixture. Add 1/2 Tbsp. oil on top of the rice.
  5. Cover and cook 45 minutes in the rice cooker (or 45 minutes in a non-stick pot on medium heat).
  6. Enjoy! Noosh-e-Jan!

SERVES 4-5 people