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Meygoo Polo

Meygoo Polo: Delightful Persian Prawn Rice with Fresh Herbs

Meygoo Polo is a delightful Persian dish that combines tender prawns and fluffy rice with a mix of fresh herbs, offering a warm, complex flavor profile.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Persian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 1.5 cups Basmati Rice Soaked for at least 30 minutes
  • 8 cups Water Enough to fully submerge rice
  • 1 tablespoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Saffron Dissolved in hot water
For the Prawns
  • 1 pound Prawns Fresh or high-quality frozen, cleaned and dried
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For cooking prawns, ghee as substitute
  • 1 fresh Lime For squeezing over prawns
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric For seasoning prawns
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger
  • 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Golpar (Persian Hogweed)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
For the Aromatics
  • 3 tablespoons Ghee Or butter/oil
  • 1 medium Onion Thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly minced
For the Herbs
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro Bright flavors, parsley can substitute
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Dill Adds unique herbal element
  • 2 tablespoons Dried Fenugreek Leaves Optional
For the Toppings
  • 2 green onions Chopped Green Onion For garnish, chives as substitute
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Cilantro For garnish, parsley can be used

Equipment

  • Medium pan
  • Large pot
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Meygoo Polo
  1. In a medium pan, heat 3 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Once melted, add one thinly sliced onion, cooking until golden brown (around 7-10 minutes). Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, and 1 teaspoon of turmeric, allowing the mixture to cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
  2. Add a generous handful (about 1 cup) of chopped fresh cilantro, ½ cup of fresh dill, and 2 tablespoons of dried fenugreek leaves to the pan. Sauté briefly for about 2-3 minutes, just until the herbs are well combined and fragrant. Remove the pan from heat and set the herb mixture aside to cool.
  3. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of salted water to a boil. After soaking 1.5 cups of basmati rice for at least 30 minutes, add it to the boiling water and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the rice is slightly softened but not fully cooked. Drain and rinse the rice under cold water to halt the cooking process.
  4. In the same pot, melt an additional 4 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Take 1 cup of the partially cooked rice and mix it with 1 teaspoon of dissolved saffron in hot water. Layer this rice mixture at the bottom of the pot, then carefully add the herb mixture and the remaining rice on top, forming gentle layers for the perfect Meygoo Polo.
  5. Cover the pot with a lid wrapped in a clean towel to trap steam. Reduce the heat to low and let the rice steam for about 45 minutes.
  6. In a medium bowl, coat 1 pound of cleaned prawns with 1 teaspoon each of turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and ginger, plus a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the spiced prawns and cook until they turn bright red and opaque, about 4-5 minutes. Finish with a splash of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
  7. Carefully invert the rice onto a large serving platter, revealing the beautiful golden tahdig at the base. Gently place the sautéed prawns on top of the rice, then garnish with chopped green onions and additional cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Soaking rice, using a towel for lid, monitoring heat for tahdig, adjusting spices for preference, and generous garnishing are key tips for perfecting Meygoo Polo.

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