The Ghanbar Polo is an Iranian dish from the city of Shiraz, therefore it is often called Ghanbar Polo Shirazi.
In Persian language, the word “gham” refers to something related to sadness and the whole word “ghambar” means something that removes sadness.
The people of Shiraz call it ghambar because it is so delicious and flavorful that eating it makes sadness go away!
A dish served during ceremonies and special occasions.
This pilaf (rice) is mixed with small meatballs, fried onions, walnuts, and raisins.
Essential is the Tahdig (bottom of the pot) or the crispy layer of rice on the verge of being burned, present in all Persian rice dishes like in:
Ingredients
- 3 cups rice (long grain)
- 1.8 oz raisins
- 1.8 oz walnuts
- 2 onions
- 14.1 oz ground meat
- 1 packet saffron
- 2 tbsps pomegranate paste (or pomegranate juice)
- to taste turmeric powder
- to taste olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
Steps
Soak the rice in water for 1 hour.
Rehydrate the raisins in water.
Chop the walnuts.
Mix the chopped (1) onion, ground meat, salt, turmeric, and pepper. Form small meatballs.
Fry the meatballs in a pan with oil.
In a pan, sauté the onion with the walnuts, raisins, more turmeric, and pepper. Add the meatballs, pomegranate paste, and 2 tablespoons of saffron dissolved in a little water.
Boil the rice in water for 7 minutes. Drain.
In a large pot, distribute the oil and create the tahdig by distributing a thin layer of rice and optionally some torn lavash.
Form a layer with half of the rice, place the meatballs in the center, and cover with the rest of the rice. Make holes for steam, distribute the rest of the saffron.
Steam, with the lid on, for 30 minutes.
Invert the pot onto a plate.
Serve with vegetables and yogurt.
I used the Magic Cooker lid for steaming, keeping the cooking times of the recipe.
FAQ
Where is Shiraz?
Shiraz is a city in south-central Iran, known for its literary history and gardens.
The marble Tomb of Hafez, honoring the revered poet, is located within its own garden.
To the east, the Tomb of Saadi houses the mosaic tomb of the 13th-century writer and an underground pool.
Shiraz is a gateway to Persepolis, the ruins of the 6th-century BC capital featuring imposing entrances, columns, and friezes.
