Crispy Tahdeeg Canapes (Persian Crispy Rice hors d'oeuvres)

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories.

saffron

🥗Healthier: turmeric

💰Cheaper: paprika

Turmeric adds color and a hint of flavor at a lower cost.

Rinse the rice three or four times until the water runs mostly clear.

Fill the rice with water and add 4 tablespoons of table salt to brine for at least an hour, up to 4-5 hours.

Make the batter mix with 1 egg yolk, 2 whole eggs, 1/2 cup yogurt, and 1/4 cup neutral vegetable oil.

Add salt, white pepper, turmeric, and a smidge of cayenne to the batter and stir.

Add 1 tablespoon of saffron solution to the batter and mix until consistent.

Boil water in a medium-sized thick-bottom pot.

Add the brined rice to the boiling water, discarding about half of the salty water.

Lower the temperature to medium, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and stir to prevent sticking.

Simmer the rice for about 5 minutes until al dente, with a soft outer shell and hard center.

Rinse the rice with cold water and drain for 5-10 minutes.

Make the flavored oil mixture with melted butter, neutral vegetable oil, salt, pepper, turmeric, and saffron solution, and mix until consistent.

Put the oil mixture in the fridge for about 5 minutes to congeal.

Push the drained rice into the saffron yogurt batter until every grain is coated.

Brush the congealed butter mixture onto a half cookie sheet.

Place lavash bread in the pan, ensuring it only covers the bottom and not the sides.

Pour the rice batter over the bread and spread it evenly.

Press down with a flat heavy surface to compress the mixture.

Cover the pan with extra wide aluminum foil, making 4-6 cuts for steam to escape.

Bake in a preheated oven at 435°F for 80 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Remove the tadik from the oven and use a spatula to release it from the pan.

Transfer the tadik to a second pan of similar size.

Let it rest for 5-7 minutes to harden further before cutting into desired sizes for canapes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens