16 Kalam Polo Recipe Persian Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
Kalam polo, also known as cabbage rice, is a popular Persian dish that is loved for its delicious and rich flavors. This traditional dish is a perfect blend of rice, meat, and vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal. In this article, we will share with you a simple and authentic kalam polo recipe that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Iran. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful dish.
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Cilantro, Turmeric, Saffron, Large
Kookoo, or Persian potato pancakes, is a delicious and easy dish to make on the grill. It's a perfect side dish for your beer can chicken and is sure to be a crowd favorite.
To make kookoo, simply grate your potatoes and mix them with eggs, flour, and your choice of spices. You can add in other vegetables or meats to make it more hearty. Then, form the mixture into patties and grill them until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve them hot with your beer can chicken for a complete and flavorful meal.
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Torshi-e Kalam (Pickled Cabbage and Dill)
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Crushed Red Chile Flakes, Garlic, Green
This tangy and crunchy pickled cabbage and dill dish is a staple in Persian cuisine. It's the perfect accompaniment to any meal, including your beer can chicken.
To make torshi-e kalam, you will need cabbage, dill, garlic, and vinegar. Simply chop the cabbage and dill, mix it with the garlic and vinegar, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will become. Serve it cold alongside your hot beer can chicken for a delicious contrast of flavors.
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Persian Pomegranate Mocktail
Main Ingredients: Pomegranate Juice, Ice Cubes, Fresh Lime Juice, Orange
If you're looking for a refreshing and non-alcoholic drink to pair with your beer can chicken, why not try a Persian pomegranate mocktail? This drink is packed with antioxidants and has a tangy and sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the chicken.
To make this mocktail, mix pomegranate juice, sparkling water, and a splash of lime juice. You can also add in some mint leaves or lemon slices for added freshness. Serve it chilled and enjoy it alongside your beer can chicken for a balanced and delicious meal.
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Persian Ground Meat and Onion Kebabs
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onions, Ground Lamb, Ground Sirloin, Garlic
Kebabs are a popular dish in Persian cuisine, and this ground meat and onion version is a must-try. The combination of savory meat and sweet onions makes for a flavorful and juicy kebab that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
To make these kebabs, mix ground beef or lamb with grated onions, spices, and herbs. Form the mixture into patties and grill them until they are cooked through. Serve them hot alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and filling meal.
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Persian Herb Stew with Kale (Khoresteh Gormeh Sabzi ba...
Main Ingredients: Stew Meat, Turmeric, Salt, Black Pepper, All Purpose
This hearty and flavorful stew is a staple in Persian cuisine. It's made with a variety of herbs and vegetables, including kale, and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
To make this stew, sauté onions, herbs, and spices in a pot, then add in your choice of protein (chicken or beef are traditional options). Let it simmer until the meat is tender, then add in chopped kale and let it cook for a few more minutes. Serve it hot with your beer can chicken for a complete and nutritious meal.
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Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb Stew)
Main Ingredients: Stewing Beef, Canola Oil, Onion, Crushed Tomatoes
Ghormeh sabzi is another popular stew in Persian cuisine, and it's perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken. It's made with a variety of herbs, beans, and your choice of protein.
To make this stew, sauté herbs and spices in a pot, then add in your choice of protein (beef or lamb are traditional options). Let it simmer until the meat is tender, then add in kidney beans and let it cook for a few more minutes. Serve it hot with your beer can chicken for a flavorful and filling meal.
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Persian Crispy Rice - Tahdig
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Water, Salt, Oil
Tahdig, or crispy rice, is a classic Persian dish that is a must-try with your beer can chicken. It's made by cooking rice with butter or oil in a pot until the bottom layer becomes crispy and golden brown.
To make tahdig, simply cook rice as you normally would, then add in a layer of butter or oil to the bottom of the pot before adding in the rice. Let it cook until the bottom layer is crispy, then flip it onto a plate and serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and unique side dish.
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Kotlet, Persian Cutlet
Main Ingredients: Extra Lean Ground Beef, Potato, Potatoes, Eggs, Onion
Kotlet, or Persian cutlet, is a popular street food in Iran and is a great addition to your beer can chicken meal. It's made with ground beef or lamb, potatoes, and spices, and can be served as a side dish or as a sandwich.
To make kotlet, mix ground meat with mashed potatoes, spices, and herbs, then form it into patties and fry them until they are golden brown. Serve them hot alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Torshi Kalam (Pickled Red Cabbage)
Main Ingredients: Red Cabbage, Red Vinegar, Sugar
This pickled red cabbage dish is similar to torshi-e kalam, but with a different flavor profile. It's tangy, crunchy, and adds a pop of color to your beer can chicken meal.
To make torshi kalam, simply chop red cabbage and mix it with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then serve it cold with your beer can chicken for a refreshing and flavorful side dish.
This hearty and flavorful lamb stew is a staple in Persian cuisine and is a great dish to pair with your beer can chicken. It's made with chunks of lamb, vegetables, and spices, and is perfect for a cozy and comforting meal.
To make this stew, sauté onions, garlic, and spices in a pot, then add in chunks of lamb and let it cook until the meat is tender. You can also add in your choice of vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes. Serve it hot with your beer can chicken for a filling and delicious meal.
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Persian Turkey Kofta Kebabs
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Turkey, Small Onion, Garlic, Fresh Parsley
If you're looking for a lighter alternative to traditional meat kebabs, these turkey kofta kebabs are a great option. They are made with ground turkey, spices, and herbs, and are perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken.
To make these kebabs, mix ground turkey with spices and herbs, form them onto skewers, and grill them until they are cooked through. Serve them hot alongside your beer can chicken for a flavorful and protein-packed meal.
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Khoresht Bademjan - Persian Eggplant Stew
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Chicken, Butter, Diced Onion, Crushed
This rich and hearty eggplant stew is a staple in Persian cuisine and is a great dish to pair with your beer can chicken. It's made with chunks of eggplant, tomatoes, and your choice of protein.
To make this stew, sauté onions and garlic in a pot, then add in chunks of eggplant, tomatoes, and your choice of protein (beef or lamb are traditional options). Let it simmer until the eggplant is tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve it hot with your beer can chicken for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Persian Style Rice
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Broad Beans, Salt, Boiling Water
Rice is a staple in Persian cuisine, and this Persian style rice is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. It's flavored with saffron and herbs, giving it a fragrant and savory taste.
To make this rice, simply cook it as you normally would, then add in saffron, herbs, and spices while it is still steaming. Fluff it with a fork and serve it hot alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and traditional meal.
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Persian Grilled Lamb Chops
Main Ingredients: Loin Lamb Chops, Hot Water, Saffron Threads, Onion
Grilled lamb chops are a classic dish in Persian cuisine and are a perfect pairing for your beer can chicken. They are marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and herbs, then grilled to perfection.
To make these lamb chops, marinate them for a few hours or overnight, then grill them until they are cooked to your liking. Serve them hot alongside your beer can chicken for a flavorful and protein-packed meal.
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Slow Cooker Persian Lamb and Eggplant Stew
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Eggplant, Diced Onion, Olive Oil, Salt, Black
This slow cooker lamb and eggplant stew is a great option for a busy day when you still want to enjoy a delicious Persian meal. It's packed with flavors from the lamb, eggplant, and spices, and is the perfect dish to pair with your beer can chicken.
To make this stew, simply add lamb, eggplant, tomatoes, and spices to your slow cooker and let it cook for several hours until the meat is tender. Serve it hot with your beer can chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Kabab Tabei - Persian Pan Kebab
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Onion, Turmeric, Salt, Black Pepper
This pan kebab is a popular dish in Persian cuisine and is a great option for those who don't have access to a grill. It's made with ground beef or lamb, spices, and herbs, and is cooked in a pan for a delicious and flavorful meal.
To make this kebab, mix ground meat with spices and herbs, then form it into patties and cook them in a pan until they are cooked through. Serve them hot alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.
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Salad Shirazi - Persian Cucumber-Tomato Salad
Main Ingredients: Seedless Cucumbers, Red Onion, Tomatoes, Lemon Juice
This refreshing and light salad is a staple in Persian cuisine and is a great side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. It's made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a tangy dressing.
To make this salad, simply chop all of the vegetables and mix them with a dressing made of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. Serve it chilled alongside your hot beer can chicken for a balanced and flavorful meal.
This simple and refreshing cucumber salad is a great addition to your beer can chicken meal. It's made with cucumbers, yogurt, and herbs, and is a perfect side dish to balance out the flavors of the chicken.
To make this salad, simply chop cucumbers and mix them with yogurt, dill, and other herbs of your choice. Serve it chilled alongside your beer can chicken for a cool and tasty side dish.
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Doogh - Persian Yogurt Drink
Main Ingredients: Plain Yogurt, Cold Water, Club Soda, Dried Mint, Salt
If you're looking for a unique and refreshing beverage to pair with your beer can chicken, try a glass of doogh. This yogurt drink is popular in Persian cuisine and is a perfect accompaniment to spicy and flavorful dishes.
To make doogh, mix yogurt, water, and spices such as mint and cumin. You can also add in some diced cucumbers for added texture and flavor. Serve it chilled alongside your hot beer can chicken for a refreshing and complementary drink.
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Tahdig (Persian Rice)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Water, Salt, Olive Oil
Tahdig, or crispy rice, is a staple in Persian cuisine and is a must-try with your beer can chicken. It's made by cooking rice with butter or oil in a pot until the bottom layer becomes crispy and golden brown.
To make tahdig, simply cook rice as you normally would, then add in a layer of butter or oil to the bottom of the pot before adding in the rice. Let it cook until the bottom layer is crispy, then flip it onto a plate and serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and unique side dish.
The Origin of Kalam Polo
The Persian Culinary Heritage
Kalam polo is deeply rooted in the Persian culinary heritage and is a staple dish in many Iranian households. The dish is said to have originated in the northern region of Iran, near the Caspian Sea, where cabbage is plentiful and a key ingredient in many dishes. Over time, kalam polo has become popular in other regions of Iran and is now a beloved dish enjoyed by people all over the world.
The Influence of Persian Culture
The Persian culture is known for its love for rice and its use of aromatic spices in cooking. Kalam polo is a perfect representation of this with its fragrant rice and flavorful spices. The dish is also a reflection of the Iranian philosophy of balance and harmony in food. The combination of rice, meat, and vegetables in kalam polo not only makes it a well-rounded meal but also showcases the balance of flavors and textures in Persian cuisine.
The Ingredients
Kalam polo is a simple dish that uses everyday ingredients that are easily available. The key ingredients include cabbage, rice, lamb or beef, onions, and spices. The cabbage is the star of the dish, giving it a unique and hearty flavor. The meat adds protein and richness to the dish, while the onions and spices bring depth and complexity to the flavors.
Choosing the Right Cabbage
When making kalam polo, it is important to choose the right type of cabbage. The preferred type is the Savoy cabbage, which has a sweeter and milder taste compared to other varieties. It is also important to select a fresh and firm cabbage to ensure the best results.
The Importance of Spices
The spices used in kalam polo are what give the dish its distinct Persian flavor. The most commonly used spices include turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon. These spices not only add flavor but also have health benefits, making kalam polo a nutritious and wholesome meal.
The Recipe
Now that we have covered the origin and ingredients of kalam polo, it's time to get cooking! Here is a simple and authentic recipe for you to try at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 pound lamb or beef, cut into small cubes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups water
- Optional: raisins, dried apricots, and almonds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until golden brown.
2. Add the meat and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the spices and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the chopped cabbage and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, stirring gently to mix it with the other ingredients.
6. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.
8. Garnish with raisins, dried apricots, and almonds if desired.
9. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade kalam polo!
Now that you have the recipe, it's time to put your culinary skills to the test and indulge in the flavorful world of Persian cuisine. Kalam polo is a dish that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also give you a taste of the rich and vibrant culture of Iran. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy a delicious and traditional meal together.
