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Vegetarian, Maghreb and Middle East

Estamboli polo with yogurt

Estamboli polo is a Persian rice dish cooked with potatoes, tomato and turmeric, for 4 people, in 70 minutes, at medium difficulty, for €1.70 per person. Success depends on the golden crust that forms at the bottom of the pot, the tahdig, which you should never stir while it cooks.

An estamboli polo, Persian rice cooked with potatoes, tomato and turmeric, with a crispy crust at the bottom and a side of yogurt.

Estamboli polo with yogurt
Total time
1 h 10
Difficulty
Medium
Cost per person
€1.70
Calories per person
690 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Fall, Winter
The kids
They generally like it

Estamboli polo brings together basmati rice, potatoes and tomato in a single pot, seasoned with turmeric and cinnamon. The rice turns a warm golden color with a slightly tangy edge, while the potatoes nearly melt into the sauce. It's a comforting dish, perfect for a fall or winter dinner where everyone goes back for seconds.

This dish takes a bit of attention but nothing complicated, ideal for a Sunday when you have time to let it simmer without rushing. Kids usually like the rice, lightly sweetened by the cinnamon, and the cool yogurt softens the whole plate. Mon Chou suggests resisting the urge to peek under the lid, patience makes all the difference here.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Basmati riceoften in the pantry 300 g
  • Crushed tomatoesoften in the pantry 300 g
  • Tomato pasteoften in the pantry 1 tbsp
  • Turmericoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Cinnamonoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Sunflower oiloften in the pantry 5 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Fruits and vegetables

  • Potatoes 500 g
  • Onion 2

Dairy

  • Butter 50 g
  • Plain yogurt 4 cup

Allergens Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Sauté the sliced onions in the oil with the turmeric, then add the diced potatoes. 10 min

    The potatoes should turn lightly golden before they start to cook through.

  2. Add the tomato, tomato paste, cinnamon and a glass of water, then let it simmer. 15 min

    The mixture should turn thick.

  3. Parboil the rice in salted boiling water, then drain it. 6 min

    Keep it firm.

  4. In a buttered pot, layer the rice and the tomato mixture, then cover with a kitchen towel.

    Poke a few holes with a spoon handle to let the steam escape.

  5. Cook over low heat until a golden crust forms at the bottom, then serve with the yogurt. 35 min

    Dip the bottom of the pot in cold water, the tahdig will come loose easily.

Our tips to get it right

  • Use a heavy bottomed pot, it spreads heat more evenly and keeps the tahdig from burning before it turns golden.
  • Cut the potatoes into even cubes, about half an inch, so they all cook at the same rate.
  • If you don't have a clean kitchen towel handy, wrap the lid in paper towels instead to trap steam the same way.

The variations

  • Swap the potatoes for diced carrots for a sweeter, more colorful version.
  • Stir cooked red lentils into the tomato mixture for a version richer in plant protein.
  • For hurried kids, serve the rice and sauce right away without waiting for the tahdig to form, it still tastes good without the crust.

What to serve it with

  • Cool plain yogurt
  • Cucumber and mint salad
  • Flatbread or pita

Storage

Keep estamboli polo in the fridge in a sealed container for 2 to 3 days. It freezes well, rice and sauce together, for up to a month. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to bring back the softness, the tahdig won't crisp up again after freezing.

Questions about this dish

How do you get a good tahdig without burning it?

Use low heat and a heavy bottomed pot. If you smell burning before the cooking time is up, lower the heat further and check again after just a few minutes.

Can you make estamboli polo ahead of time?

You can prepare the tomato and potato mixture the day before and keep it in the fridge. The rice cooks best right before serving, so the crust stays crisp.

Can you use a different rice instead of basmati?

Plain long grain rice works too, but basmati gives longer, more separate grains, which helps form a better crust at the bottom.

Is this dish good for kids who don't like spices?

Turmeric and cinnamon give a mild, not spicy flavor that kids generally enjoy. You can cut the amounts in half if you want to play it safe.

How long does it take to make an estamboli polo with yogurt?

Count 1 h 10 in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “medium”.

How many calories are in an estamboli polo with yogurt?

About 690 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does an estamboli polo with yogurt cost?

About €1.70 per serving, or €6.80 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains lactose. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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