Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice)

Sabzi polo is a delicious, aromatic, and fluffy herbed rice dish encased in a crunchy saffron layer called tahdig. It’s traditionally eaten by Iranians during Nowruz (Persian New Year).

Sabzi polo (which translates to “herbed rice” in Persian) is a traditional Iranian rice dish made with finely chopped fresh herbs. The show-stopping dish features fluffy rice topped with a crispy saffron layer.

Once you master the technique of Iranian rice dishes, it will be hard to return to any other cooking method thanks to the delicious crispy rice layer created in the cooking process—the tahdig!

What is Tahdig?

Tahdig, which translates to “bottom of the pot,” is the name given to the crispy layer of rice created by a specific Persian cooking method. The bottom layer of the rice is effectively fried in oil, butter, or ghee while the rest of the rice slowly steams.

The crispy tahdig can be formed using various ingredients, from rice (as seen in this recipe) to potatoes, lavash bread, pasta, and even lettuce.

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