07/02/2021
✨🆕 blog post ✨
Sabzi Polo ba Mahi is one of the more popular herb-rice mixture dishes in Persian cuisine, known not only for its use of abundant fresh herbs but also for its close ties to the Persian New Year celebration, Nowruz.
Sabzi Polo is traditionally served with a whole white fleshed fish. The type of fish used is also dependant on each region of Iran. In the Caspian Sea region of Iran, we use a type of fish aptly called white fish (Mahi-Sefeed). Locally in Seattle, I tend to use sea bass, trout, rock fish or branzino.
Iranians love and adore herbs in large quantities, fresh or dried. You will find many dishes – ranging from yogurt, to stews, to soups and rice dishes – that incorporate at least one herb, or more often a whole medley of them.
Sabzi Polo is truly a celebration of herbs! Mounds of dill, parsley, cilantro, and chives are chopped and blended into the rice as it cooks. The end result is beautifully aromatic and visually pleasing: a dish that has won the heart of many!
As always, different traditions display variations in amounts and ratios, and in some cases the addition of another herb called fenugreek.
Fenugreek gives off a strong yet sweet smell and you may be surprised to learn that it’s bitter in taste. When used in rice dishes or stews, it adds a very distinct depth and flavor that is anything short of magic!
Recipe at: https://thecaspianchef.com/2021/02/07/sabzi-polo-ba-mahi-herbed-rice-pilaf-with-fish/ -7628
The Caspian Chef, Omid Roustaei