Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Colander
- Non-stick pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Drain the rice and add it to the boiling water. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Drain the rice in a colander and rinse it with cold water.
4. In a non-stick pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
5. Add the ground cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper to the onions. Sauté for 1 minute.
6. Add the raisins and slivered almonds to the onion mixture. Sauté for 2 minutes.
7. Add the chopped spinach to the onion mixture. Sauté for 1 minute.
8. Add the rice to the onion mixture and stir well.
9. Cover the pot with a lid and cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.
11. Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Time:
Preparation time: 40 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Cooking temperature: Low heat
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 83g
- Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of rice instead of basmati rice.
- You can use any type of oil instead of vegetable oil.
- You can use any type of nuts instead of slivered almonds.
- You can use any type of dried fruit instead of raisins.
Variations:
- You can add cooked chicken or beef to the rice for a meatier version.
- You can add saffron to the rice for a more fragrant flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Soaking the rice before cooking helps to remove excess starch and makes the rice fluffier.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Fluff the rice with a fork gently to avoid breaking the grains.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of water.
Presentation ideas:
- Garnish the rice with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
- Serve the rice in a decorative bowl or platter.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
- This rice dish pairs well with grilled chicken or beef.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve this rice dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is too dry, add a little bit of water and stir gently.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the rice thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Shirin Polo is a traditional Persian rice dish that is often served at weddings and other special occasions.
Flavor profiles:
- This rice dish has a sweet and savory flavor, with notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and raisins.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this rice dish as a main course or as a side dish.
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Region: Iranian