Mar
How to Make Sabzi Polo
with Stuffed Fish for Nowruz Night
When Nowruz night comes around, one of the most beloved dishes on the table is sabzi polo ba mahi. A fragrant, colorful meal that symbolizes abundance and joy. It’s the perfect combination of local rice and flavorful fish! Whether you’re a fan of this classic Nowruz dish or just looking for a delicious meal for a gathering, don’t miss this simple sabzi polo recipe.
Ingredients for Sabzi Polo:
- Local rice: 4 cups
- Mixed herbs for polo (finely chopped): 2 cups
- Oil or butter: 2 tablespoons
- Brewed saffron: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
- Lettuce leaves for tahdig (optional): a few leaves
Ingredients for Stuffed Fish:
- Fish (such as trout, whitefish, or kingfish): 1 medium-sized
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
- Sour orange juice or lemon juice: 3 tablespoons
- Special fish seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Oil for brushing: 2 tablespoons
Ingredients for Fish Stuffing:
- Chopped walnuts: ½ cup
- Pomegranate paste: 1 tablespoon
- Minced garlic: 2-3 cloves
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Cooking the Sabzi Polo
To prepare sabzi polo for Nowruz night, you can use either fresh or dried herbs. Soak the rice as usual and bring it to a boil. Two minutes before draining, add the chopped herbs and mix well. Some herbs may pass through the strainer, but don’t worry! Their aroma and flavor will still infuse the dish! Layer the rice in the pot with lettuce leaves as tahdig, drizzle with saffron, and let it steam.
Marinating the Fish
For a flavorful sabzi polo ba mahi, season the fish with salt, turmeric, and sour orange juice. If you want a richer taste, use special fish seasoning as well. Let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can fully absorb.
Preparing the Fish Stuffing
To stuff the fish, mix all the stuffing ingredients thoroughly and fill the belly of the fish with this mixture. This will make the stuffed fish incredibly delicious and aromatic.
Cooking the Fish
Grease the bottom of a baking dish lightly so the fish doesn’t stick. Brush some oil over the fish as well. Then, bake as follows:
- 30 minutes at 200°C (392°F)
- 30 minutes at 180°C (356°F)
Cooking times may vary depending on your oven, so check that the fish is fully cooked, with a golden, crispy skin.
With this method, you’ll have a beautifully fragrant sabzi polo that pairs perfectly with stuffed fish. The combination of herbed rice and crispy, roasted fish is what makes Nowruz night feel truly special. If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to prepare sabzi polo ba mahi, give this recipe a try!
Serving Sabzi Polo with Fish
Now the whole house is filled with the scent of this delicious meal, bringing the spirit of Nowruz to life! Plate the sabzi polo in your favorite serving dish and place the fish on top. For extra garnish, add lemon slices, fresh herbs, or anything you like. This dish pairs beautifully with pickles, Shirazi salad, or garlic yogurt.
Tips for Perfect Sabzi Polo
- If using fresh herbs, chop them finely so they blend evenly with the rice.
- Brewed saffron adds an incredible aroma and color. Don’t skip it!
- Adding a spoonful of butter on top of the steaming rice makes it even more flavorful.
- Always serve fish with fresh lemon. It’s a classic combination for a reason!
Final Thoughts
Now you’ve got a simple yet delicious recipe for sabzi polo ba mahi for Nowruz night. It’s Just a little different from the traditional method but with the same amazing taste and festive feel. So, get cooking and bring the flavors of Nowruz to your home. The new year is almost here, and sabzi polo is an essential part of the celebration. Enjoy!
Author: Zahra Barani