Cheat's Quick Persian Rice Polow

Transform your weeknight dinners with 'Cheat's Quick Persian Rice Polow,' an irresistible twist on a classic Persian dish that's bursting with flavor yet ready in just 40 minutes. This simplified recipe combines fragrant basmati rice with the warm, earthy spices of turmeric and cinnamon, toasted sliced almonds, and juicy golden raisins for a delightful medley of textures and tastes. A saffron infusion adds an authentic pop of golden color, while optional shredded chicken makes it a heartier meal. Perfectly balanced between savory and sweet, this shortcut polow offers all the elegance of Persian cuisine without the lengthy preparation. Garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch, it's an eye-catching dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Perfect for impressing guests or elevating everyday meals, this quick Persian rice recipe is your go-to for flavor-packed simplicity.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3 cups Water
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 cups Sliced almonds
• 0.25 cups Golden raisins
• 0.25 teaspoons Saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons Boiling water
• 1 cup Cooked shredded chicken (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent clumping.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir, reduce the heat to low, and cover tightly with a lid. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, prepare the saffron infusion. Place the saffron threads in a small bowl and add 2 tablespoons of boiling water. Let it steep for at least 5 minutes.

Step 4

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, sliced almonds, and golden raisins. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the almonds are golden and the raisins are plump.

Step 5

If using shredded chicken, stir it into the skillet and warm it through for about 2 minutes.

Step 6

Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork. Reserve 1 cup of plain rice and mix it with the saffron infusion to create golden saffron rice.

Step 7

Add the remaining white rice to the skillet with the spiced butter mixture. Gently toss to combine and coat the rice with the spices.

Step 8

Transfer the combined rice to a serving platter. Top with the saffron-infused rice, spreading it evenly over the top for a vibrant color contrast.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your cheat's quick Persian rice Polow!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1514.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1509.4

Total Fat 61.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 301.5mg	0%
Sodium 3972.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.7g	0%
Total Sugars 28.0g
Protein 95.1g	0%

Vitamin D 6.7IU	0%
Calcium 270.8mg	0%
Iron 11.7mg	0%
Potassium 1371.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.1%

Protein: 25.3%

Carbs: 37.5%