Dairy-Free Baghali Polo (Fava Bean Rice)

Instructions

1. 1Measure 2 cups of Basmati rice into a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and enough water to cover the rice. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2If using fresh fava beans, remove them from their pods. You should have about 2 cups of fava beans. If using frozen fava beans, they are ready to use.
3. 3In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat (100°C / 100°C). Drain the soaked 2 cups of Basmati rice and carefully add it to the boiling water. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the rice grains are slightly softened but still hold their shape. Drain the rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve.
4. 4While the rice is cooking, prepare the onion. Finely chop the 1 medium Onion. In a separate medium-sized pan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat (176.7°C / 175°C). Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until it is soft and golden brown.
5. 5Add the 2 cups of fava beans to the pan with the onions. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring gently, until the fava beans are heated through and slightly tender. Finely chop the 1 cup of fresh dill and stir it into the fava bean and onion mixture. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
6. 6In a clean large pot with a tight-fitting lid, create layers. Start with a thin layer of the fava bean and dill mixture at the bottom. Then, add about half of the drained rice. Add another layer of the fava bean mixture, followed by the remaining rice. Gently pat the rice down to create an even surface.
7. 7Cover the pot tightly with its lid. If your lid does not seal well, you can place a clean kitchen towel between the pot and the lid to trap steam. Cook over low heat (around 121.1°C / 120°C) for 30 to 45 minutes. You will hear a gentle sizzling sound and smell the aromatic rice steaming. The rice should be fluffy and fully cooked.
8. 8Carefully remove the pot from the heat. Let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to finish cooking the rice evenly. Serve the Baghali Polo hot.

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