Crispy, Crunchy, Flavorful Rice | Tahdig Persian Crispy Rice Recipe | Eden Eats

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa is high in protein and fiber, while long-grain rice is often less expensive.

saffron

💰Cheaper: turmeric

Turmeric provides color and flavor at a lower cost.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is often less expensive.

potatoes

💰Cheaper: sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are often cheaper and add a different flavor.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season it with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt.

Rinse 2 cups of basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Add the rinsed rice to the boiling salted water and cook until al dente, then strain the rice and set aside.

In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water to create a simple syrup for the barberries.

Soak the barberries in the simple syrup to sweeten and rehydrate them.

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of saffron in warm water to prepare saffron water.

In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of whole milk yogurt, 1 cup of cooked rice, 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil, and 2 tablespoons of saffron water to create a yogurt rice mixture.

Layer the ingredients in the pot starting with some of the cooked rice, then add orange zest, cinnamon, and barberries, followed by more rice and a stick of unsalted butter cut into pieces.

Cover the pot with a kitchen towel and place the lid on top to trap steam, cooking on medium-low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, adjusting heat if necessary to achieve a darker crust.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: