Description
Crispy Persian Rice, also known as Tahdig, is a beloved Iranian dish made with fluffy basmati rice and a golden, crunchy crust formed at the bottom of the pot—an irresistible texture contrast that’s both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice
3 tablespoons salt (for soaking and boiling)
6 cups water
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in a bowl with water and 1 tablespoon salt for at least 1 hour.
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 tablespoons salt and the drained rice. Boil for 5–6 minutes until the rice is just tender but still firm. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of the parboiled rice with yogurt, turmeric, and melted butter.
- Heat oil in a non-stick or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Spread the yogurt rice mixture evenly over the bottom of the pot to form the crispy layer.
- Gently spoon the remaining rice over the yogurt mixture, shaping it into a mound. Using the handle of a spoon, poke a few holes in the rice to help steam escape.
- Cover the lid with a clean kitchen towel and place it tightly on the pot. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes, then reduce to low and cook for 30–40 minutes.
- To serve, invert the pot onto a serving plate so the crispy layer is on top. Serve warm.
Notes
Add a pinch of saffron dissolved in water to the yogurt mixture for extra aroma and color.
Swap vegetable oil with ghee or butter for a richer flavor.
Mix finely chopped herbs or garlic into the rice before cooking for additional flavor.
For a nutty crust, sprinkle toasted nuts on the crispy layer before serving.
Serve with Persian stews, kebabs, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
