Baghali Polo

Prepare the Rice: Thoroughly rinse the basmati rice and transfer it to a large bowl. Cover with several inches of water and soak for 1 hour. Drain well. (1 hour)

Blanch the Lima Beans: Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add the frozen lima beans and cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. (10 minutes)

Parboil the Rice: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and the soaked, drained rice. Cook until the rice is partially softened but still firm, approximately 11 minutes. Drain immediately. (11 minutes)

Season the Lamb: In a bowl, season the lamb pieces generously with cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Sauté the Lamb and Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned lamb and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the lamb with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook until translucent and softened, about 7 minutes. Return the lamb to the skillet with the onions. (12 minutes)

Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked lima beans and dried dill weed to the lamb and onion mixture in the skillet. Remove from heat.

Layer the Rice and Lamb: In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of hot water. Spoon approximately 1/3 of the parboiled rice into the saucepan, creating an even layer. Top with half of the lamb and bean mixture. Repeat with another 1/3 of the rice, the remaining lamb mixture, and finish with the final layer of rice. Dot the top of the rice with the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, cut into small cubes.

Steam the Polo: Cover the saucepan tightly with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the rice is completely tender and the flavors have melded, about 30 minutes. (30 minutes)

Rest and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the Baghali Polo rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the rice to settle and the flavors to fully develop. Serve hot with a generous dollop of plain yogurt.