Baqala Polo

Description
This is one of the most amazing dishes I've ever eaten. Rich and savory!



Ingredients

 * 3 cups long-grain rice, well-rinsed


 * 8 cups water

salt


 * 1/4 cup melted margarine


 * 1/8 teaspoon saffron, dissolved in 2 tbs warm water (optional)


 * 1 lb frozen lima beans


 * 1/4 cup dried dill weed, or 3/4 cup fresh


 * Iranian Yogurt and Spinach (Borani-Ye Esfenaj)


 * 1 lb spinach, fresh or frozen


 * 2 medium onions, peeled and thinly sliced


 * 2 tablespoons margarine or oil

salt and pepper


 * 1 cup soy yogurt

Directions

 * Cook lima beans until done.


 * Drain.


 * Set aside.


 * Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.


 * Add rice to water.


 * Boil 5-10 minutes, until rice is no longer crunchy, but still firm.


 * Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.


 * Drain rice in colander.


 * Mix beans and dill weed with the rice.


 * Put half of the melted margarine in the bottom of the rice pot.


 * Put the rice back into the pot, a spoonful at a time, heaping it into a mound, not touching sides of pot.


 * With a chopstick or similar tool, poke holes in the rice in several places.


 * Pour the remaining melted margarine over the rice.


 * Cover the underside of the pot lid with a dish towel, and put lid tightly on pot.


 * Cook rice about 20 minutes over medium heat, then turn heat to low, and cook for another 30 minutes.


 * The rice on the bottom of the pot should become golden and crispy.


 * Soak bottom of pot in cold water for a few minutes, to loosen this.


 * Put rice onto a serving platter, surrounded by chunks of crispy rice.


 * Take 2/3 cup of the rice, mix it with the dissolved saffron, and sprinkle over the rest of the rice as a garnish.


 * Cook spinach in lightly salted water until tender


 * Drain well.


 * Chop.


 * Set aside.


 * Heat margarine or oil in a pan.


 * Add onions, and fry until golden.


 * Add spinach and fry together briefly.


 * Turn off heat.


 * Sprinkle with salt and pepper.


 * Transfer to serving bowl or dish.


 * Mix in yogurt.