Persian Rice Golden Tahdig (Printer-Friendly)
Crispy, golden tahdig meets fluffy saffron basmati rice in this rich Persian classic.
# What You’ll Need to Cook:
→ Main
01 -
2 cups basmati rice
02 -
4 tablespoons salt, divided
03 -
2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
04 -
1/4 teaspoon ground saffron
05 -
2 to 3 tablespoons boiling water
→ Optional for Tahdig
06 -
2 to 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
→ Garnishes
07 -
Pistachios, chopped
08 -
Slivered almonds
09 -
Dried barberries
# Steps to Prepare:
01 -
Rinse basmati rice under cool water until clear. Place in a large bowl, cover with water, and stir in 2 tablespoons of salt. Soak for 1 to 2 hours.
02 -
Crush ground saffron using a mortar and pestle. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of boiling water and set aside to bloom.
03 -
Bring 4 to 6 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil. Drain soaked rice and add it to the pot. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse with cool water.
04 -
Dry the pot thoroughly. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil or butter to coat the bottom. Swirl in the saffron water evenly.
05 -
Optional: Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of yogurt with 1/2 cup parboiled rice and 1 tablespoon saffron water. Spread evenly at the pot bottom. If not using yogurt, use 1/4 cup parboiled rice mixed with saffron and oil.
06 -
Gently mound remaining rice in the pot. Poke holes with a wooden spoon handle. Wrap the lid with a clean towel and cover tightly.
07 -
Cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until sizzling. Reduce heat to low and steam for 30 to 45 minutes.
08 -
Turn off heat and rest the pot. Gently scoop rice onto plates. Loosen tahdig with a spatula and place on top. Garnish as desired.
# Extra Cooking Tips:
01 -
Wrap the pot lid in a clean kitchen towel to absorb moisture during steaming.
02 -
Avoid overboiling the rice during parboiling to preserve its texture after steaming.
03 -
High-quality saffron makes a noticeable difference in aroma and color.
04 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container without compressing to avoid clumping.
05 -
Reheat with steam or microwave with added moisture for best texture.