Baghali Polo

What is it?

Parboiled long-grain rice is layered in the pot with fava beans and a large amount of dill, then steamed so the flavor moves up through the grains.

The rice at the base of the pot forms tahdig, the crisp golden crust that is turned out or lifted off in pieces.

The meat in this photograph is served alongside, in the usual way. Baghali polo itself is rice, fava beans and dill — no meat goes into the pot.

The Persian table

It is commonly served with lamb shank, and appears often at spring gatherings when fresh fava beans are in season.