How to Make Split Pea Rice with Shredded Chicken

Surely, all of you are looking for variety in your meals and want to prepare diverse yet delicious dishes for your daily lunch and dinner. Choosing what to cook is often one of the biggest everyday challenges. Lentil rice (Lopeh Polo) is a delicious and easy dish that you can include in your meals. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy plant-based dishes. In this post, we’ll guide you through a complete recipe for shredded chicken lentil rice.

How to Prepare Shredded Chicken Lentil Rice

1. Start by placing the chicken breast in a pot. Peel one onion, cut it into quarters, and add it to the pot along with a bay leaf if desired. Pour in boiling water and cook over heat until the chicken is tender. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it.

2. Rinse the rice and soak it with a little salt. Soak the lentils for 1 hour to make them cook faster and reduce gas. Cook the lentils in some water until soft, then drain.

3. Peel the other onion, dice it finely, and sauté it in a pan with a little turmeric until softened. Add the cooked lentils and shredded chicken along with a pinch of salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and saffron. Sauté the mixture for a few minutes until the spices release their aroma.

4. Bring the rice to a boil, skimming off any foam that forms. Once the rice is tender, drain it. Place a layer of your preferred tahdig (crispy rice base) at the bottom of the pot, add some rice, then a layer of the lentil and chicken mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Steam the lentil rice with chicken for 40 minutes, then finish with a little butter or oil.

Enjoy your meal!

Tips for Making Elegant and Simple Shredded Chicken Lentil Rice

• You can use filleted, chopped chicken if preferred.

• Optionally, add a little tomato paste for extra flavor.

• Using Iranian and smoked rice can enhance the taste.

• For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken.