Fava bean rice or “Timman Baghilla” the Iraqi name (“Tmman” is the Iraqi dialect term for rice, and Baghilla is fava beans) is a recipe from Iraqi cuisine. It’s a fragrant Basmati rice cooked with green fava beans and fresh dill.
There are a few different names for this dish, in Iran, it is called Baghali polo, Baghali (fava beans), and polo (which means rice). Some call this dish dill rice since dill is a must-have ingredient in making this rice dish.
Ingredients (with substitution)
- Basmati rice: use good quality Basmati rice to make this dish.
- Green fava beans: which are also called broad beans. I have used the frozen and peeled ones. Alternatively, I’ve seen in some recipes lima beans are used as well.
- Fresh dill is a key ingredient to make this rice, and can not use another herb.
- Onion; white or red onion can be used.
- Oil: coconut or olive oil can be used
- Vegan chicken bouillon powder: can be substituted with vegetable/Vegan stock.
- Turmeric powder
- Salt & pepper.
* Check the recipe card down below for exact ingredient measurements.
How to prepare fava bean rice?
- Preparation: wash and soak the rice for 15 minutes, then drain and set aside. Let the frozen fava beans thaw at room temperature. Chop the onions and dill, and mince the garlic. Dissolve the vegan bouillon powder in hot water.
- Saute the onions in olive oil till translucent, add minced garlic, and saute for a couple of minutes.
- Add defrosted fava beans and saute, then add half a cup of water and turmeric powder. Close the lid and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped fresh dill, and stir for 5 minutes.
- Now it’s time to add the rice, salt, pepper, and stock.
- Stir to combine, let it reach a boil then cover the pot, lower the heat, and let it simmer till the rice is cooked. It will take 25-30 minutes to cook.
Serving suggestions:
Traditionally fava beans rice is served with meat, however, by itself it is a complete meal, packed with protein and other health benefits coming mainly from fava beans and dill.
It can be served with salads like this refreshing gavurdagi salad, or a simple Arabic salad. Sometimes I like to serve it with fresh radishes and pickles on the side.
Storing leftovers:
If you end up with leftover rice, it can be easily stored in the refrigerator and will last up to 3 days. Transfer the rice into an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator.
It can be reheated on the stove top, by adding a splash of water or vegan stock and heating the rice on low heat for 10 minutes before serving.
FAQ
It is the Persian/Iranian name for fava bean rice. It is a famous dish in Persian cuisine. The traditional Baghili polo recipe is not plant-based and is cooked slightly differently.
Yes, use vegan stock or only water to saute the onions and follow the rest of the recipe.
Fresh dill is a key ingredient in this recipe, dry dill won’t deliver the same flavor and fragrance to this rice.
Recommended Recipes:
If you love rice dishes, then you need to check this staple Middle Eastern vermicelli rice recipe or this Lebanese mujadara recipe.
For more Iraqi cuisine-inspired dishes, check out these plant-based recipes:
- Authentic Iraqi lentil soup recipe.
- Famous Iraqi carrot rice recipe.
- A delicious Iraqi eggplant salad you don’t want to miss.
- Plant-based kubbat halab recipe.
If you make this recipe, I’d love a comment, and to rate this recipe. Please make sure to tag me in re-creation on Instagram @veganbilaraby. I love to see your take on my vegan recipes 💚
Fava Bean Rice
Equipment
- Rice strainer or a big bowl and strainer
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Big pan/ Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup white onion chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1½ cup fava bean defrosted
- 2 cups Hot water divided
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 cups fresh dill chopped, unpacked
- 2 cups Basmati rice pre-soaked and drained
- 2 teaspoon pink salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ tablespoon vegan bouillon powder
Instructions
- Saute the chopped onion in olive oil till translucent. Add minced garlic and saute for a couple of minutes.
- Add defrosted fava beans and saute, then add ½ cup of water and turmeric powder. Close the lid and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes
- Add the chopped fresh dill, and stir for 5 minutes.
- Now it's time to add the rice, salt, pepper, and bouillon powder dissolved in the remaining 1½ cup of hot water . Stir to combine, let it reach a boil then cover the pot, lower the heat, and let it simmer till the rice is cooked. It will take 25-30 minutes to cook.
Looks delicious and yummy!
We used to have this with fish it’s yummy 😋
We used to have this with fish
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