Havij Polo 😋 (Persian Carrot Rice with Meatballs) A fragrant Persian pilaf made with rice, carrots, and meatballs. This dish is loved across Iran, with different families adding their own twist. Ingredients (serves 3–4) Meatballs: * 1 lb ground beef * 1 large onion, grated * 1 teaspoon salt * 2 tablespoons bloomed saffron Carrot mixture: * 1 large onion, thinly sliced * 6 large carrots (about 2 per cup of rice), cut into matchsticks * 1 cup barberries * 2 tablespoons sugar * 3 tablespoons sliced pistachios * 3 tablespoons bloomed saffron * 1 tablespoon rosewater * 1 tablespoon cardamom water (or ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom) Rice and tahdig: * 3 cups basmati rice * 3 teaspoons salt * 1 large carrot, peeled into thin ribbons Instructions: Prepare the rice: 1. Rinse the rice 3–4 times until the water runs clear. 2. Soak in lukewarm water with 3 teaspoons salt for 1 hour. Carrot mixture: 1. Heat oil in a large pan and sauté the sliced onion until golden. Remove and set aside. 2. In the same pan, sauté the carrot matchsticks until tender. 3. Add the onions back in along with barberries, sugar, pistachios, saffron, rosewater, and cardamom water. Mix well and set aside. Meatballs: 1. Combine ground beef, grated onion, and salt. Mix well. 2. Shape into small bite-sized meatballs. 3. Fry in oil until cooked through. Add saffron, toss well, and set aside. Carrot tahdig: 1. Boil the carrot ribbons for 10–15 minutes until just tender. Drain. Parboil rice 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. 2. Add rice and cook for 6–8 minutes, until 80% done. Drain. Layer and steam: 1. In the same pot, add oil and line the bottom with parchment paper. 2. Arrange the carrot ribbons in a star shape for the tahdig. 3. Layer: one-third rice, one-third carrot mixture, and one-third meatballs. Sprinkle with a little saffron. 4. Repeat until all ingredients are used (reserve some meatballs for garnish if desired). 5. Cover and steam over low heat for 1 hour. Serve: Flip onto a platter so the carrot tahdig shows on top. Garnish with reserved meatballs and serve with Shirazi salad, sabzi khordan (fresh herbs), torshi (pickled vegetables), or yogurt. Noosh-e jaan 😋 #persiancuisine #persianfood #persianrecipes #havijpolo #riceandmeatballs - @persian_maman