Persian Rice with Tahdig

Discover the irresistible allure of Persian Rice with Tahdig, a show-stopping dish that combines perfectly fluffy, aromatic Basmati rice with a golden, crispy crust that’s the highlight of any Persian meal. This traditional recipe highlights the art of layering saffron-infused rice over a buttery base to create the tahdig—a crunchy delight that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. With simple ingredients like fragrant saffron threads, a touch of butter or oil, and quality Basmati rice, this dish requires patience and precise technique, but the end result is well worth the effort. Serve it family-style on a platter to unveil the dramatic reveal of the tahdig, making it the perfect centerpiece for special occasions or an indulgent weeknight treat.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:70 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons Salt
• 8 cups Water
• 1 quarter cup Butter or vegetable oil
• 0.5 teaspoons Saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons Boiling water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

Place the rice in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3

In a small bowl, crush the saffron threads and add 2 tablespoons of boiling water. Let it steep to release the color and aroma.

Step 4

Drain the soaked rice in a fine-mesh sieve.

Step 5

In a large non-stick pot, bring 8 cups of water and the remaining 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil.

Step 6

Add the drained rice to the boiling water and stir gently. Cook the rice for 5-7 minutes, or until the grains are slightly soft but still firm at the center.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Add the butter or oil to the same pot and melt over medium heat.

Step 9

Once the butter or oil is hot, add about 1 cup of the drained rice mixed with the prepared saffron water to the bottom of the pot to form a thin layer.

Step 10

Gently spoon the remaining rice into the pot in the shape of a pyramid, leaving room for steam to escape.

Step 11

Using the handle of a spoon, make a few holes in the rice pyramid to allow steam to rise and prevent clumping.

Step 12

Cover the lid with a clean kitchen towel and place it tightly on the pot to catch condensation and prevent it from dripping onto the rice.

Step 13

Cook on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until you start hearing the rice sizzle.

Step 14

Lower the heat to the lowest setting and let it steam for about 45-60 minutes, allowing the bottom to form a golden crust and the rice to become fluffy.

Step 15

Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 16

Carefully invert the pot onto a large serving platter to reveal the tahdig (golden crust).

Step 17

Serve immediately, enjoying both the fluffy rice and the crisp tahdig.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2447.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	910.0

Total Fat 49.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 129.2mg	0%
Sodium 14230.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 101.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.6g	0%
Total Sugars 0.2g
Protein 14.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 168.4mg	0%
Iron 6.1mg	0%
Potassium 156.7mg	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: 49.1%

Protein: 6.5%

Carbs: 44.5%