Adas Polo
Saffron rice layered with brown lentils, caramelised onion and sweet dates. A gentle spiced one pot supper.
- Time1 hr 15
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £0.75 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Rinse and soak the rice with 1 teaspoon salt for 30 minutes. Drain.
30 min - 2
Simmer the lentils in plenty of water for 15 minutes until just tender. Drain.
15 min - 3
Fry the onions in 2 tablespoons oil for 15 minutes until deep golden. Stir in the cinnamon, turmeric, dates and raisins and cook 2 minutes.
15 min - 4
Boil the rice in salted water for 6 minutes. Drain and mix with the lentils.
- 5
Heat the remaining oil in a pan. Layer in the rice and lentils with the onion mix, finishing with rice. Drizzle over the saffron soaked in the boiling water.
- 6
Cover with a tea towel wrapped lid and steam on low for 35 minutes.
35 min
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.