Adas Polo
Adas Polo is a beloved Persian rice dish, often translated as 'lentil rice,' that combines fluffy basmati rice with brown or green lentils, sweet caramelized onions, and sometimes raisins or dates. It's a staple in Iranian cuisine, frequently served with a side of savory ground meat (like kebab koobideh) or simply enjoyed on its own. The dish is a perfect example of the Persian talent for balancing savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors.
🍳 View the full Adas Polo recipe →
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a solid source of complex carbohydrates from the rice and lentils, and the lentils also provide a good amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. A typical serving (without added meat) would be moderately high in carbs, with a calorie range of roughly 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for caramelizing the onions.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 55 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Potassium | 380 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
| Zinc | 2.0 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 60 µg |
| Manganese | 1.8 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Adas Polo is often associated with the Persian New Year (Nowruz) and is believed to bring good luck and health for the coming year. Nutritionally, the combination of lentils and rice creates a complete protein profile, making it a historically important and satisfying vegetarian meal in Persian cuisine.
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AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms