Traditional Persian food features a delicate balance of fresh herbs and spices to create delicious meals that are both sweet and savory. Rice, known as polo at Persian restaurants, is a staple of this cuisine, and it may include various ingredients that pair well with meats, vegetables, and sauces. Here are several rice selections you might notice when you dine at one of these restaurants. 

What Are Common Ways to Eat Persian Rice?

1. Baghala

Many of these dishes use basmati rice as a base, which is a long-grained rice that is native to the Himalayan foothills. Baghala features basmati rice combined with fava beans and dill. The fava beans add body to the rice and give it a creamy texture, while the dill lends citrus and earth notes to the dish. Persian restaurants often serve baghala with slow-cooked lamb shank, as the rice brings out the flavors of the meat and absorbs the succulent juices. 

2. Albalo

This dish includes black cherries mixed with the rice, which makes the grains taste sweet and tart. This is the perfect combination with a savory meal, such as ghemeh bademjoon, which features lean beef cooked with tomato, eggplant, and onions. The rice can absorb the sauces, and the cherries provide a tasty flavor contrast with the spices and vegetables.

3. Adas

This Persian food adds lentils, onions, and raisins into a plate of basmati grains, which makes this dish more substantial than other varieties. It also has a sweeter flavor than other options due to the raisins, but this is balanced by the vegetables. While this dish is a delicious vegetarian option, you can pair it with beef, chicken, or vegetable kebabs to create a well-rounded meal. 

4. Shirin

Shirin incorporates pistachios, carrots, and almond slices into basmati rice. It also includes dried orange peels and raisins to give each bite a zesty and tangy finish. Many people choose to eat shirin with shrimp or salmon kabobs because the citrus flavors balance the sweet and briny tastes of the proteins. They also provide a crunchy texture contrast.

5. Zereshk

Barberries are a key ingredient in zereshk, as they lend a sour flavor to the rice. This dish also features pistachios and almonds to contrast the sourness with a nutty, earthy flavor. Pairing this Persian food with chicken kebabs allows the berry and nut flavors to emerge on the palate without overwhelming the flavor of the meat.

If you want to sample a variety of Persian rice dishes, visit Sufi's Kitchen in Atlanta, GA. This restaurant serves traditional Mediterranean and Persian foods to hungry patrons, including five different rice selections. They have a wide menu and even offer full-service catering for your event. Call (404) 888-9699 to make a reservation, and visit the website to browse their lunch and dinner menus.