Best Persian Rice with Tahdig | Persian Recipes | Chef Tara Radcliffe

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.

Put 3 cups of basmati rice in a large mixing bowl.

Fill the bowl with water and stir the rice with your hands to create murky starchy water.

Drain the water and repeat the process until the water becomes as clear as possible, usually about 10 times.

Leave the rice in water and add 1 tablespoon of salt, mixing well. Let it sit for about 20 minutes.

Fill a large nonstick pot with water and bring it to a boil, adding a generous amount of salt to the water.

Once the water is boiling, rinse the excess salt off the rice and add it to the boiling water.

Par boil the rice for about 5 to 8 minutes, checking for doneness by tasting a few grains; it should be mushy on the outside and harder on the inside.

Drain the rice and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Return the pot to medium-high heat and add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to melt.

Pour the rice back into the pot, shaping it into a dome and poking holes throughout the rice for even steaming.

Cover the pot with a clean dish towel and place the lid on top, ensuring the towel doesn't catch fire.

Cook on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, watching for steam to rise from the lid.

Once steam is visible, lower the heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 35 to 40 minutes.

After cooking, carefully flip the rice onto a large plate, ensuring the plate is larger than the pot to catch the tahdig (crust).

If the plate is not large enough, scoop the rice onto the plate and serve the tahdig separately.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: