3poundsboneless skinless chicken thighscut into 1-inch pieces
2tbspvegetable oilplus more if needed
4cupsthinly sliced onions
½poundscarrotscut into 1-inch matchsticks
½tspground cinnamon
½tspground tumeric
½cupfinely chopped fresh dill or cilantrodivided
½poundsgreen beanscut into 1-inch pieces
4cupschopped fresh spinach or chard
3tbsppomegranate molasses
Instructions
Rinse the rice in several changes of water until the water runs clear. Drain.
In a large heatproof bowl, mix together the rice, 1 teaspoon of salt, the saffron, and boiling water. Let soak for at least 1 hour.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper.
In a 6-quart pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onionsand sauté until the onions begin to soften, 7 to 10 minutes.
Add the carrots and sauté until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes, adding another drizzle of oil if the pot seems dry.
Stir in the cinnamon, turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and black pepper, and 1/4 cup of dill. Sauté for 1 minute.
Add the chicken, lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 minutes.
Layer the green beans evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Layer the spinach over the green beans. Carefully pour the rice mixture with the water into the pot. Do not stir or mix in with the other ingredients.
Cover and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 45 minutes. (While the rice is cooking, open the lid as little as possible but check periodically to make sure the pot has not dried out. Add water, a little at a time, as needed.) Turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
Uncover, place a rimmed platter on top of the pot and carefully flip over the pot onto the platter. The plov should turn out with the vegetables and chicken on top. Use a spatula to smooth it back into shape if needed. Serve the plov on the platter, garnished with the remaining 1/4 cup of dill and drizzled with pomegranate molasses.
Notes
MAKE AHEAD: Make the plov in a Dutch oven or other ovenproof pot up to 3 days in advance and keep it in the pot (or alternatively, transfer it to a large casserole or baking pan). Cover and refrigerate. To serve, sprinkle the top with a little water. Cover and reheat in a 350°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes (from room temperature), or until it’s warmed through. Invert the pot onto a serving platter and garnish as instructed above.