SAEDNEWS: Basturma Polo, also known as Basdirma Polo, is a rich and flavorful specialty of East Azerbaijan. This local dish is typically prepared with marinated duck meat, chicken, red meat, and especially lamb neck or shank, offering a hearty and aromatic experience.
According to the Family Magazine of Saed News, Basturma Polo is one of the traditional and local dishes of Ardabil. This delicious Azerbaijani meal is simple to prepare and requires only a few readily available ingredients. Follow this step-by-step guide to make Basturma Polo at home.
Ingredients:
500 g lamb
2 large onions
50 g butter
Salt, pepper, saffron to taste
1 cinnamon stick
3 garlic cloves
½ cup water
2 cups rice
Instructions:
Slice the onions and place them in a pot. Add the lamb, garlic, cinnamon stick, pepper, butter, and ½ cup water. Cook for 3 hours.
After 3 hours, add salt and saffron, then cook for another 10 minutes. Separate the meat broth to use for cooking the rice. Let the onions caramelize, then turn off the heat.
Cook the rice in the meat broth, then drain it.
In a pot, add oil and prepare your preferred tahdig (crispy bottom layer). In this recipe, a potato tahdig is used.
Layer half of the drained rice, then add the cooked meat, followed by the remaining rice. Press gently with a spatula.
Steam for 40 minutes before serving.
