Baghali Polo Persian Rice With Lima Beans Recipe

Experience the vibrant flavors of Persia with this exquisite Baghali Polo recipe! This fragrant and flavorful vegetarian rice dish features tender lima beans and fluffy basmati rice. While delicious on its own, it's incredibly satisfying served alongside juicy grilled chicken or lamb. A true taste of home from my Persian kitchen – get ready for a culinary journey!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 90 mins
Calories 484.6 kcal
Protein 24g
Rating 3.0 (3 Reviews)
Baghali Polo Persian Rice With Lima Beans 13

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Baghali Polo Persian Rice With Lima Beans

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Baghali Polo Persian Rice With Lima Beans? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Baghali Polo Persian Rice With Lima Beans

  1. Rinse 2 cups of basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice, 4 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is almost cooked through.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the lima beans: Rinse 1 cup of dried lima beans and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and cook the beans in a separate pot with 2 cups of water until tender (about 45 minutes).
  4. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads (soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm water for 10 minutes) and cook for another minute.
  5. Gently stir in the cooked lima beans and cooked rice into the onion mixture. Mix thoroughly.
  6. Transfer the rice mixture to a greased oven-safe dish or a large pot. Create a few small holes in the rice using a fork.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the bottom is nicely browned (optional). Alternatively, steam on the stovetop for 20 minutes, covered.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill), and optionally, alongside grilled chicken or lamb.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

2 g

Sugar

8g

Fat

6g

Carbs

28g