This Crispy Persian Rice recipe, also called Tahdig, is a beloved dish that includes completely cooked basmati rice with crispy, golden brown edges. The addition of saffron and turmeric provides it vibrant shade and depth of taste, whereas the yogurt and egg combination ensures a young, but crisp crust.
Components
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed very properly till water runs clear
- ½ cup kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon saffron threads, floor with the underside of a picket spoon (non-obligatory)
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 giant egg
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- Cook dinner the Rice
In a big stockpot, deliver 4 quarts of water to a boil over excessive warmth. Add ½ cup kosher salt (don’t fear, most of will probably be discarded). Stir within the rice and cook dinner for 4-5 minutes till al dente. Drain the rice and rinse it underneath chilly water to cease the cooking course of. - Put together the Saffron (Optionally available)
If utilizing saffron, combine 3 tablespoons of water with the bottom saffron in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds, then put aside. - Put together the Rice Combination
In a big bowl, whisk collectively the Greek yogurt, egg, turmeric, and half of the saffron water (if utilizing). Take 2½ cups of the cooked rice and gently stir it into the yogurt combination, ensuring it’s evenly mixed. - Cook dinner the Rice within the Pan
Set a 10-inch or 11-inch nonstick or forged iron skillet (or Dutch oven) over medium warmth. Add the butter and olive oil, permitting the butter to soften. As soon as melted, add the yogurt-rice combination into the pan, urgent it gently into the pan and up the edges. - Add the Remaining Rice
Add the remaining rice to the pan, however keep away from urgent it down. Drizzle the remaining saffron water (if utilizing) excessive. Flip the warmth as much as medium-high and let the rice sizzle for about 5 minutes. - Cook dinner the Tahdig
Cut back the warmth to medium-low, then cowl the pan with a lid wrapped in a clear towel (this absorbs extra moisture). Cook dinner for 15-17 minutes, or till the rice is absolutely cooked and the perimeters are golden and crispy. - Take away the Rice
To take away the rice, fastidiously run a rubber spatula alongside the perimeters of the pan to loosen the crispy crust. Place a big plate over the skillet, then swiftly and thoroughly flip the pan onto the plate. Prime the rice with contemporary dill and serve instantly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Golden, crispy edges—the signature characteristic of Persian rice that everybody loves!
- Aromatic and flavorful—with a fragile mix of saffron, turmeric, and yogurt for additional richness.
- Easy components however a showstopper facet dish for any event.
- Completely fluffy rice that’s straightforward to make with the proper approach.
Ideas
- Rinse the rice properly—This step is essential for eradicating extra starch and guaranteeing fluffy, non-sticky rice.
- Use a nonstick or cast-iron pan to forestall the crispy rice from sticking.
- Make sure to wrap the lid with a clear towel—this may assist soak up extra moisture and make for a crispier crust.
- Let the rice sizzle for a couple of minutes on excessive warmth earlier than decreasing the temperature to lock within the crispy edges.
- If you happen to don’t have saffron, you’ll be able to nonetheless obtain a flavorful dish with simply turmeric for shade and style.
Variations and Substitutions
- Saffron: If you happen to don’t have saffron, you’ll be able to skip it or substitute with a pinch of floor turmeric for shade and taste.
- Yogurt: You may substitute Greek yogurt with plain yogurt and even bitter cream for a distinct tang.
- Oil: Substitute olive oil with vegetable oil or ghee for a richer taste.
- Herbs: Add a handful of contemporary herbs, reminiscent of mint or parsley, to the rice earlier than serving for additional freshness.
FAQs
Can I make this dish with out saffron?
Sure, you’ll be able to omit saffron and nonetheless get scrumptious outcomes with turmeric, which is able to present vibrant shade and taste.
What sort of rice is greatest for this recipe?
Basmati rice is right for this dish as a consequence of its lengthy, aromatic grains that cook dinner up fantastically. Keep away from utilizing short-grain rice, because it received’t present the identical texture.
Can I make this recipe forward of time?
Whereas this rice is greatest loved freshly made to take care of its crispiness, you’ll be able to put together it a number of hours forward. Simply cowl it tightly and reheat it within the pan, including a little bit of oil to crisp it up once more.
Serving
- Serve alongside grilled rooster, lamb kebabs, or Persian stews reminiscent of Fesenjan or Gheymeh.
- Add contemporary herbs like parsley or dill on prime for additional taste and garnish.
- An ideal facet for a Center Jap or Mediterranean feast.
Solutions
- Tahdig Variations: Whereas this model makes use of a yogurt combination for the crust, you’ll be able to experiment with potatoes or bread slices on the backside for a distinct texture.
- Spice it up: For additional taste, sprinkle cumin or cardamom over the rice earlier than cooking.
- Serve with a salad: Pair this rice with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or yogurt-based facet dish like mast-o-khiar.
- For a festive contact, drizzle with pomegranate molasses or prime with pomegranate seeds earlier than serving.
Crispy Persian Rice
Components
-
2 cups basmati rice, rinsed very properly till water runs clear
-
½ cup kosher salt
-
¼ teaspoon saffron threads, floor with the underside of a picket spoon (non-obligatory)
-
3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
-
1 giant egg
-
1 teaspoon turmeric
-
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cook dinner the Rice
- In a big stockpot, deliver 4 quarts of water to a boil over excessive warmth. Add ½ cup kosher salt (don’t fear, most of will probably be discarded). Stir within the rice and cook dinner for 4-5 minutes till al dente. Drain the rice and rinse it underneath chilly water to cease the cooking course of.
- Put together the Saffron (Optionally available)
- If utilizing saffron, combine 3 tablespoons of water with the bottom saffron in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds, then put aside.
- Put together the Rice Combination
- In a big bowl, whisk collectively the Greek yogurt, egg, turmeric, and half of the saffron water (if utilizing). Take 2½ cups of the cooked rice and gently stir it into the yogurt combination, ensuring it’s evenly mixed.
- Cook dinner the Rice within the Pan
- Set a 10-inch or 11-inch nonstick or forged iron skillet (or Dutch oven) over medium warmth. Add the butter and olive oil, permitting the butter to soften. As soon as melted, add the yogurt-rice combination into the pan, urgent it gently into the pan and up the edges.
- Add the Remaining Rice
- Add the remaining rice to the pan, however keep away from urgent it down. Drizzle the remaining saffron water (if utilizing) excessive. Flip the warmth as much as medium-high and let the rice sizzle for about 5 minutes.
- Cook dinner the Tahdig
- Cut back the warmth to medium-low, then cowl the pan with a lid wrapped in a clear towel (this absorbs extra moisture). Cook dinner for 15-17 minutes, or till the rice is absolutely cooked and the perimeters are golden and crispy.
- Take away the Rice
- To take away the rice, fastidiously run a rubber spatula alongside the perimeters of the pan to loosen the crispy crust. Place a big plate over the skillet, then swiftly and thoroughly flip the pan onto the plate. Prime the rice with contemporary dill and serve instantly.
