If you’re searching for a Persian Tomato Rice Recipe that’s easy to make yet bursting with authentic Middle Eastern flavors, you’ve come to the right place. Known in Persian cuisine as Estamboli Polo (or Estamboli Polow), this comforting rice dish combines fluffy basmati rice with a savory tomato base, fragrant spices, and sometimes meat or vegetables.
This dish is beloved across Iran for its simplicity, versatility, and deep flavors. It’s one of those recipes that feels like home — warm, filling, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and family gatherings.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What makes Persian tomato rice unique.
- Step-by-step instructions with cooking tips.
- Variations (with meat, vegetarian, and vegan).
- How to serve it the authentic Persian way.
Let’s dive into the recipe and explore why this dish is a staple in Persian households.
What is Persian Tomato Rice?
Persian tomato rice (Estamboli Polo) is a traditional Iranian rice dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices. Depending on the region or family tradition, it may also include ground beef, lamb, chicken, potatoes, or green beans.
What sets it apart from other rice dishes is its balance of tangy tomato flavor, aromatic Persian spices like turmeric and saffron, and the signature fluffy texture of Persian-style rice. It’s often served with yogurt, pickles (torshi), or a crisp salad on the side.
Unlike Italian tomato rice, which leans toward Mediterranean herbs, or Indian tomato rice, which uses heavy masalas, Persian tomato rice strikes a perfect middle ground — fragrant, lightly spiced, and deeply comforting.
Ingredients for Persian Tomato Rice Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make an authentic Persian tomato rice recipe at home.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice (long-grain, rinsed and soaked)
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for richer color and depth)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but traditional in some regions)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 3 cups water or chicken broth
Optional Add-ins (for variations):
- Ground beef or lamb (about 250g / ½ lb, browned with onions)
- Green beans, cut into small pieces (common in Estamboli Polo)
- Potato slices (for a crispy tahdig crust at the bottom)
- A pinch of saffron (dissolved in warm water for authentic Persian aroma)
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Persian Tomato Rice
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious, authentic dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Wash basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Soak the rice in salted water for at least 30 minutes.
- Drain before cooking.
This step is crucial for fluffy rice with separate grains — a hallmark of Persian cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Tomato Base
- Heat oil in a large pan or pot.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in garlic and turmeric, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add fresh tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes) and cook until they break down into a thick sauce.
- Mix in tomato paste, cinnamon (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Tip: If you want to include ground meat, brown it with the onions before adding the tomatoes.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Tomato Sauce
- Add the drained rice to the tomato mixture and stir gently.
- Pour in 3 cups of water or broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover tightly and let simmer for about 25–30 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
Step 4: Create a Tahdig (Optional but Traditional)
Tahdig is the golden, crispy crust at the bottom of Persian rice dishes. To achieve it:
- Line the bottom of your pot with thin potato slices before adding the rice.
- Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to low for the rest of the cooking time.
- When serving, gently flip the rice to reveal the crispy layer.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve on a large platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Pair with yogurt, salad, or pickles for an authentic Persian meal.
Variations of Persian Tomato Rice
One of the reasons Persian tomato rice is so popular is its adaptability. Here are some tasty variations:
1. Vegetarian Persian Tomato Rice
Skip the meat and add vegetables like green beans, carrots, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
2. Persian Tomato Rice with Meat
Add ground beef or lamb for extra richness. Simply brown the meat with onions and spices before adding the tomatoes.
3. Vegan Persian Tomato Rice
Stick with just rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for deeper flavor.
4. Spicy Tomato Rice (Fusion Twist)
For those who enjoy heat, add chili powder or fresh green chilies. Though not traditional, it gives the dish a fiery kick.
Tips for the Perfect Persian Tomato Rice
- Use high-quality basmati rice for the best texture.
- Don’t skip soaking — it prevents mushy rice.
- Cook tomatoes until rich and thick; watery sauce can ruin the texture.
- For authentic flavor, dissolve a pinch of saffron in hot water and drizzle it over the rice before serving.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking before fluffing — this helps the grains separate beautifully.
What to Serve with Persian Tomato Rice
Traditionally, Persian tomato rice is enjoyed with:
- Yogurt (Mast-o-Khiar) – yogurt with cucumber and herbs.
- Persian pickles (Torshi) – tangy and flavorful.
- Fresh green herbs (Sabzi Khordan) – mint, basil, parsley, and tarragon.
- Kebabs or roasted chicken for a heartier meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or in the microwave.
- Avoid freezing, as the texture of basmati rice may suffer.
Why You’ll Love This Persian Tomato Rice Recipe
- Simple ingredients but bold flavors.
- Versatile — can be made vegetarian, vegan, or with meat.
- Authentic Persian comfort food that brings Middle Eastern warmth to your table.
- Perfect for meal prep since it reheats beautifully.
Whether you’re new to Persian cuisine or looking to recreate a childhood favorite, this Persian Tomato Rice Recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.
Final Thoughts
Persian cuisine is all about transforming simple ingredients into dishes full of depth and character, and this Persian tomato rice recipe is a perfect example. With its fluffy rice, tangy tomato base, and fragrant spices, it’s comfort food at its best.
Next time you’re craving something wholesome yet flavorful, skip the plain rice and try this authentic Persian tomato rice. Serve it with yogurt, pickles, or kebabs, and enjoy a taste of Iran at your own table.