Main Course · Dinner · Middle Eastern ·

Iranian Sabzi Polo with Herbed Rice and Fresh Dill

Name: Iranian Sabzi Polo with Herbed Rice and Fresh Dill
Prep time: 33 min
Cook time: 100 min
Total time: 133 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 cups Basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes; 1 cup Fresh dill, chopped; 1 cup Fresh parsley, chopped; 1 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup Fresh chives (or green onions), chopped; 2 tbsp Salted butter; 4 tbsp Olive oil; ½ tsp Ground turmeric; Salt to taste; 2 tbsp Plain yogurt; 2 tbsp Saffron water, pinch of saffron threads steeped in hot water; A few sprigs of fresh dill for garnish

Delight in the aromatic herbs and flavors of this classic Iranian dish, known for its vibrant green rice and fresh, lively taste. Sabzi Polo is a staple for special gatherings and a must-try for anyon

4.5(878 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 16, 2025

Iranian Sabzi Polo with Herbed Rice and Fresh Dill — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

33 min

Cook

1 h 40 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Herbed Rice

For the Tahdig (crisp rice crust)

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 513 kcal
Protein: 8.4 g
Carbs: 73.1 g
Fat: 20.3 g
Fiber: 3.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2051 kcal
Protein: 33.6 g
Carbs: 292.4 g
Fat: 81.2 g
Fiber: 13 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups Basmati rice rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes	1300	27	280	2.4	8
1 cup Fresh dill chopped	10	1	2	0.1	1
1 cup Fresh parsley chopped	22	2	4	0.5	2
1 cup Fresh cilantro chopped	6	1	1	0.1	1
½ cup Fresh chives (or green onions) chopped	9	1	2	0.1	1
2 tbsp Salted butter	204	0.2	0	23	0
4 tbsp Olive oil	477	0	0	54	0
½ tsp Ground turmeric	4	0.2	1	0	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 tbsp Plain yogurt	17	1	2	1	0
2 tbsp Saffron water pinch of saffron threads steeped in hot water	1	0.1	0.2	0	0
A few sprigs of fresh dill for garnish	1	0.1	0.2	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Herbed Mix

1
Combine herbs
Combine the chopped dill, parsley, cilantro, and chives in a large bowl.
2
Set aside herbs
Set aside half of the herbs to layer with the rice later.

Preparing the Tahdig

1
Mix yogurt and saffron
Mix plain yogurt with half of the saffron water.
2
Set aside yogurt mixture
Set aside for later use to create the golden crust.

How to Make Iranian Sabzi Polo with Herbed Rice and Fresh Dill

Total time: 2 h 13 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Cook Rice
Parboil the rice for 5 minutes, testing to ensure it is only partially cooked at medium-high heat.
2
Layer the Rice
In a heavy-bottomed pot, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the yogurt-saffron mixture, then spread 1/3 of the parboiled rice over it, followed by a layer of herbs, repeating for subsequent layers.
3
Final Cook
Drizzle the remaining saffron water and olive oil over the top, cover, and cook over low heat for 45 minutes to an hour until steam starts to escape.