Its traditionally eaten by Iranians during Nowruz (Persian New Year).

The show-stopping dish features fluffy rice topped with a crispy saffron layer.

What is Tahdig?

Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice) on a Plate With a Serving Spoon

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Celebrating Nowruz

Nowruz is the name given to Iranian New Year celebrations.

you’ve got the option to use lemon or lime as an alternative.

Leave to soak overnight.

Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice) on a Plate With a Serving Spoon, and Surrounding It, Small Plates With Sides and Glasses of Water

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Wash all the herbs and remove any tough or brown stem ends.

Separate the green parts of the scallions, reserving the whites for another use.

Dry with a tea towel.

Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice) on a Plate With a Serving Spoon

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Pulse the herbs and spring onion greens in a food processor until they are finely chopped.

Place the greens in a large bowl and set aside.

Place the ground saffron in a medium bowl and add 2 tablespoons of water.

Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice) on a Plate at a Table Setting With Sides (in the Background) and Glasses of Water

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Stir to allow the saffron to bloom.

In a small pot, add the butter or ghee and melt over low heat.

Add 2 tablespoons of water and the garlic and let infuse gently for 1 minute.

A Hand Washing Basmati Rice in a Bowl of Water for Sabzi Polo Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Turn the heat off and set aside until ready to use.

Bring the water to a boil.

Tip

Its easiest to make this dish in a large non-stick pot with a tight-fitting glass lid.

Basmati Rice Soaking in a Bowl of Water for Persian Herb Rice Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

This way you’re free to easily tell when to proceed with certain steps without opening the lid.

Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot.

Gently stir the rice to confirm it does not stick to the pan.

Fresh Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, and Green Onions on a Kitchen Towel Over a Cutting Board for Persian Herb Rice Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

You want the rice to have a soft outer layer but still firm center (al dente).

This can take anywhere from 3 to 7 minutes.

Drizzle a little cold water on the rice to halt the cooking process.

Herbs Blended Together in a Food Processer for Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice) Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Add 2 cups of the drained parboiled rice to the bowl of bloomed saffron.

Stir gently with a spoon until evenly coated in the saffron mixture and the rice has an orange color.

Rinse and dry the rice pot.

Saffron Crushed Using a Mortar and Pestle and Bloomed in a Bowl of Water for Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice) Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Add the remaining parboiled rice into the bowl with the chopped greens and gently stir.

Place the lid on the pot and turn the heat to high.

Once you start to see steam rise from the rice, turn the heat to low.

Garlic Ghee Mixture in a Small Cast Iron Skillet for Sabzi Polo Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Dont pop launch the lid after turning down the heat and adding the tea towel.

The longer you let the rice steam the thicker the tahdig; I always steam mine for an hour.

When the rice is cooked, turn the heat off and remove the lid.

Piece of Basmati Rice Squished Between Two Fingers to Showcase Texture of Parboiled Rice for Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice)

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

The tahdig is best served fresh, since it will lose its crispness.

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Rice Strained Over a Bowl for Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice)

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Half of the Rice Mixed With Bloomed Saffron for Tahdig Layer of Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice)

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Saffron Tahdig Layer in a Pot for Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice)

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Herbed Rice in a Bowl Next to Garlic Ghee Mixture in a Small Cast Iron Skillet for Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice) Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Holes Poked in Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice) After Herbed Rice Layer Is Placed Over the Saffron Layer in the Pot

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Pot Covered With a Kitchen Towel Wrapped Lid for Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice)

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Cooked Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice) in a Pot

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice) on a Plate With a Serving Spoon, and Surrounding It, Small Plates With Sides and Glasses of Water

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar