Sabzi Polo Recipe: Persian Herbed Rice
Sabzi polo is bright green Persian herbed rice, one of the most iconic dishes of Nowruz (Persian New Year), traditionally served alongside fish. The green herbs are meant to symbolize new growth and the start of spring.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 package polo herb blend (or a mix of fresh dill, parsley, and cilantro)
- A pinch of saffron, bloomed in a few tablespoons of hot water
- Oil or butter, salt, to taste
- Fish or another protein of choice, for serving (optional but traditional)
Instructions
- Rinse and soak the rice for at least 30 minutes, then parboil until still slightly firm in the center. Drain.
- Gently toss the parboiled rice with the herb blend until evenly distributed — the more herbs, the greener and more fragrant the final dish.
- Layer a little oil on the bottom of a pot, add the herbed rice, drizzle with the bloomed saffron water, cover with a clean towel under the lid, and steam on low heat for 30-40 minutes to build a golden tahdig (crispy rice crust) on the bottom.
- Serve alongside pan-seared or baked fish, the traditional pairing for this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sabzi polo?
Sabzi polo is Persian herbed rice made with dill, parsley, and cilantro, giving it a bright green color. It’s one of the most iconic dishes of Nowruz (Persian New Year).
Why is sabzi polo served with fish?
Sabzi polo mahi (herbed rice with fish) is the traditional Nowruz meal — the pairing is a long-standing custom for the Persian New Year table, though sabzi polo is enjoyed with other proteins the rest of the year too.
What herbs go in sabzi polo?
A classic sabzi polo blend uses dill, parsley, and cilantro, sometimes with a little chive or fenugreek. A pre-mixed polo herb blend makes it easy to get the right ratio without buying and chopping each herb separately.
What’s the difference between sabzi polo and ghormeh sabzi?
Despite the similar name, they’re different dishes. Ghormeh sabzi is a slow-cooked herb stew served over plain rice. Sabzi polo is herbed rice itself, with the herbs mixed directly into the rice rather than cooked into a stew.
Shop the Ingredients
Get everything you need for authentic sabzi polo from Goaldees (also searched as Goldis), shipped fresh, nationwide across the US. Shop polo herb, or see our full Persian dried herbs guide for more herb blends.
