Low Fat Persian Rice with Tahdig

Experience the magic of traditional Persian cuisine with a healthier twist in this Low Fat Persian Rice with Tahdig. This dish combines perfectly fluffy basmati rice with a golden, crispy tahdig made from thinly sliced potatoes, all infused with aromatic saffron for a touch of elegance. By incorporating low-fat yogurt and minimal oil, this recipe keeps the calories light while preserving the rich, authentic flavors of Iranian comfort food. The process involves parboiling the rice, delicately layering it over the potatoes, and steaming to perfection, resulting in a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as crisp as it is tender. Serve it as a stunning side or an impressive main dish for your next gathering—this updated take on a classic delivers all the flavor with none of the guilt.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 pinch Saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons Boiling water
• 2 tablespoons Low-fat plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
• 4 cups Water
• 1 medium, thinly sliced Potato

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.

Step 2

In a small bowl, crush the saffron threads and add the boiling water. Let it steep while preparing the rice.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the rice and salt, stirring occasionally. Allow the rice to boil for about 5-7 minutes until it is parboiled. The rice should be slightly tender on the outside but firm in the center.

Step 4

Drain the rice using a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 5

In a large non-stick pot or a non-stick skillet, add the vegetable oil and low-fat yogurt. Stir in the prepared saffron water.

Step 6

Place the potato slices in a single layer at the bottom of the pot.

Step 7

Gently spoon the rice over the potato slices, mounding it slightly towards the middle.

Step 8

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, make 3-4 holes in the rice to allow steam to escape.

Step 9

Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and place a tight-fitting lid over it to capture the steam. Be careful that the towel edges are away from the heat source.

Step 10

Cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and continue to steam the rice for about 30-35 minutes.

Step 11

After cooking, carefully invert the pot onto a stylish serving platter to release the golden tahdig with potato slices onto the rice.

Step 12

Serve immediately, enjoying the contrast between the fluffy rice and crispy tahdig.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1597.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	804.2

Total Fat 21.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.3g
Cholesterol 6.2mg	0%
Sodium 5025.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 133.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.7g	0%
Total Sugars 4.7g
Protein 18.6g	0%

Vitamin D 15.6IU	0%
Calcium 160.2mg	0%
Iron 6.5mg	0%
Potassium 775.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.0%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 66.7%