Polo Makhlout (Afghan Mixed Rice with Chicken and Vegetables)

Ingredients

• 1 kg Chicken breast (diced into small pieces)
• 2 cup Rice (long-grain basmati recommended)
• 1 Onion (finely chopped)
• 1 cup Bell peppers (mixed colors, chopped)
• 1 Carrot (diced)
• 1 cup Corn (kernels)
• 0.5 cup Green peas
• 1 cup Green beans (chopped)
• Garlic and Ginger (minced or paste, to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Red chili powder
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Salt (plus more for rice water)
• 0.5 tsp Paprika
• Turmeric (a pinch)
• Brewed saffron (as needed for color and aroma)
• Dill (dried or fresh, as needed)
• 3 tbsp Cooking oil

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a small amount of oil in a large pan or pot. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it changes color and becomes translucent.

2. 2

   Add the diced chicken breast to the pan. Stir in minced ginger and garlic. Sauté until the chicken is no longer pink.

3. 3

   Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon each of black pepper, red chili powder, and paprika, and a pinch of turmeric. Add a splash of brewed saffron. Cover the pan and let the chicken cook through in its own juices.

4. 4

   Once the chicken is cooked, add the chopped bell peppers and sauté briefly. Add the carrots, corn, green peas, and green beans. Stir to combine and cook until the vegetables are just tender but still vibrant.

5. 5

   In a separate large pot, bring water to a boil with a tablespoon of salt. Add the rice and cook until it is about 80% done (al dente). Drain the rice.

6. 6

   To assemble, place a layer of the parboiled rice at the bottom of a large pot. Top with a layer of the chicken and vegetable mixture, followed by a sprinkle of dill (dried or fresh).

7. 7

   Repeat the layers of rice, chicken/vegetables, and dill until all ingredients are used. Pour the remaining brewed saffron over the top layer of rice.

8. 8

   Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid (using a towel to wrap the lid for a better seal if desired). Let the rice steam (dum) on low heat for 30 to 35 minutes.

9. 9

   Gently fluff the rice to mix the layers before serving. Enjoy with a side of fresh salad or yogurt.

Notes

The creator mentions that any preferred vegetables can be substituted in this recipe. Using fresh dill is highly recommended for the best aroma, though dried dill works well too.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• Afghan cuisine
• mixed rice
• chicken
• healthy
• one-pot meal
• saffron