| Baghali Polo |
Ingredients: (4-6 people)
After washing the rice thoroughly, soak the rice in salted lukewarm water to cover by 2 inches for 3 to 4 hours. Trim the meat of all fat, cut into small pieces (2 inch cubes), wash and drain. Slice the onion and fry in a little oil until it turns golden brown. Add the meat, salt and pepper and cook over low heat until the meat is well done, 45 minutes to an hour Clean and wash the dill cutting out coarse stems, dry and chop finely. If you use dried beans, then cook them until they are soft. In a large saucepan, bring 8 to 12 cups of water to a rapid boil. Pour off excess water from rice and pour into boiling water. Bring back to boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Test to see if the rice is ready. The grains should be firm in the center and rather soft on the outside. Add the beans right before you strain the rice. Strain and rinse with lukewarm water. Toss gently in the strainer. Bring 1/4 cup water and 2 to 3 tbs oil to rapid boil. Add layers of rice and dill interchangeably and pieces of the meat randomly while building the rice and dill layers up to a dome shape. Poke 5 or 6 holes through the rice to the bottom with the handle of a spoon. Close the lid. Keep on medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until rice is steaming. Heat up 1/4 cup of water and 2 tbs oil and pour over the rice. Wrap the saucepan lid in a clean tablecloth and cover the pan firmly. Reduce heat to low and cook for 45 minutes to an hour. After removing from heat, place the saucepan in the sink and run cold water under it to cool down. Add 1/4 tsp saffron to 1 tbs hot water. Lightly mix 2 to 3 tbs of rice with the liquid saffron in a small bowl. Set it aside for garnish. To dish up, gently toss the rice and sprinkle lightly in a dish in a symmetrical mound. Garnish with the saffron rice. Remove the crusty bottom and serve in a separate plate. |
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