15 Best Persian Rice Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!

Published on: Mar 31, 2024

Persian rice, also known as Chelow, is a staple dish in Iranian cuisine. It is a fragrant and flavorful dish that is a perfect accompaniment to any meal. While there are many variations of this dish, the best Persian rice recipe is one that has been passed down through generations and is loved by all. In this article, we will dive into the secrets of making the perfect Persian rice and share with you our tried and tested recipe.

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Tahdig (Persian Rice)

Main Ingredients: Rice, Water, Salt, Olive Oil

Persian Crispy Rice Tahdig + Video | Silk Road Recipes

How to cook Tahdeeg with the Perfect Persian Rice

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Crispy Persian Rice (Tahdig) with Spiced Golden Chickpeas | Recipe ...

Tahdig, also known as crispy Persian rice, is a delicious and popular dish in Persian cuisine. It is made by cooking basmati rice until it forms a crispy crust at the bottom of the pot, while the rest of the rice remains fluffy and tender. The crispy tahdig is then served on top of the rice, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

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Tahdig – Crispy Persian Rice

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Water, Kosher Salt, Canola Oil, Saffron

Crispy Persian Potato and Saffron Tahdig by thefeedfeed | Quick & Easy ...

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Persian Rice - Tahdig or Tadig is a very important part of Persian rice ...

Tahdig can be made with various ingredients, such as potatoes, bread, or yogurt, but the most common and traditional version is made with basmati rice. The key to achieving the perfect tahdig is to use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid. This allows the rice to cook evenly and form a crispy crust without burning.

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Crispy Persian Rice (Tahdig)

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Kosher Salt, Boiling Water, Saffron

Crispy Persian Jeweled Rice Tahdig

Persian Tahdig Crispy Rice Recipe +Video | Silk Road Recipes

To make tahdig, the rice is first rinsed and soaked in water to remove excess starch. Then, it is parboiled in salted water until it is partially cooked. Next, a layer of oil or butter is spread at the bottom of the pot, followed by a layer of rice. This process is repeated until all the rice is in the pot. The pot is then covered and cooked on low heat until the rice is fully cooked and the tahdig is crispy.

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Persian Rice with Potato Tahdig

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Water, Salt, Saffron, Hot Water, Oil

Tahdig (Persian Crispy Rice) Recipe

Potato tahdig is one of the most popular versions of tahdig. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered at the bottom of the pot, creating a crispy and flavorful crust. The rice is then cooked on top of the potatoes, absorbing their flavor and creating a delicious combination of textures.

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Crispy Persian Rice (Polo Tahdig)

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Water, Salt, Butter, Canola Oil, Non Fat

Persian Rice with Tahdig - Cooking With Ayeh

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Polo tahdig is another popular variation of tahdig, which is made by adding a layer of bread at the bottom of the pot. The bread absorbs the oil and creates a crispy crust, while also adding a slightly chewy texture to the rice.

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Tahdig (Crispy Persian Rice)

Main Ingredients: Saffron Threads, Basmati Rice, Kosher Salt, Whole Milk

Tahdig is often served with stews, such as ghormeh sabzi or khoresh gheimeh, but it can also be enjoyed on its own with yogurt or a side of fresh herbs. Some people even like to mix the tahdig with the rice to create a combination of textures and flavors.

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Sabzi Polo (Persian Rice Tahdig)

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Kosher Salt, Herbs, Lavash, Butter

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Sabzi polo, or herbed rice, is a popular dish in Persian cuisine that is often served at special occasions, such as Norooz (Persian New Year). It is made by cooking basmati rice with fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, and cilantro, and is often served with a layer of crispy tahdig on top.

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Persian Crispy Rice - Tahdig

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Water, Salt, Oil

Tahdig is not only a delicious dish, but it also has a special significance in Persian culture. In Persian weddings, the bride and groom traditionally share a bite of tahdig to symbolize their union and future together.

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Potato tahdig (Crispy Persian rice with potatoes)

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Saffron, Turmeric, Unsalted Butter

Turmeric & Saffron: The Art of Making Persian Tah-Dig

Crispy Persian Potato and Saffron Tahdig by jakecohen | Quick & Easy ...

There are many variations of tahdig, depending on the region and personal preferences. Some people like to add additional ingredients, such as saffron, dried fruits, or nuts, to elevate the flavor of their tahdig. Others like to keep it simple with just rice and potatoes. Regardless of the variation, tahdig is always a crowd-pleaser and a must-try dish in Persian cuisine.

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Crispy Persian Rice (Tahdig) with Spiced Golden...

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Kosher Salt, Plain Yogurt, Salted Butter

This version of tahdig is made with golden raisins and a blend of Persian spices, such as turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom. The raisins add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the dish, while the spices infuse the rice with a warm and fragrant flavor.

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Jewelled Persian Rice with Pomegranates, Walnuts &...

Main Ingredients: Rice, Saffron Threads, Dried Cranberries, Large Onion

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Jewelled Rice Salad With Fruit & Nuts (Jeweled Rice Salad)

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This dish is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The rice is cooked with a variety of colorful and flavorful ingredients, such as pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts, creating a beautiful and delicious dish that is perfect for special occasions.

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Persian Rice with Saffron and Asparagus

Main Ingredients: Rice, Bay Leaves, Vegetable Oil, Onions, Garlic

Persian Yellow Rice Recipe - Dinner, then Dessert

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Persian Rice with Saffron Crispy Tahdig // gluten-free, vegetarian ...

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This version of tahdig is made with the addition of saffron, one of the most prized and expensive spices in the world. The saffron gives the rice a vibrant yellow color and a subtle floral flavor, while the asparagus adds a touch of freshness and crunch to the dish.

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Persian Rice Cooking Method with Rice Cooker

Main Ingredients: Rice, Water, Canola Oil, Salt

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Although traditionally made on the stovetop, tahdig can also be prepared in a rice cooker. The method is the same, but instead of cooking the rice in a pot, it is cooked in a rice cooker, making it a convenient and foolproof option for those who are new to making tahdig.

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Crispy Persian Potato and Saffron Tahdig

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Kosher Salt, Boiling Water, Saffron

Tahdig Recipe (Crispy Persian Rice)

This version of tahdig combines two popular ingredients, potatoes and saffron, to create a flavorful and visually stunning dish. The potatoes are thinly sliced and arranged in a spiral shape at the bottom of the pot, creating a beautiful presentation when the tahdig is flipped onto a serving platter.

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Classic Persian Crispy Rice (Tahdig)

Main Ingredients: Basmati, Salt, Saffron, Water, Yogurt, Egg Yolk, Oil

Gochujang Crispy Persian Rice Recipe (Tahdig) - Karinokada

Despite the many variations of tahdig, the classic version remains a favorite among many. Made with just rice and oil, it is a simple yet delicious dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of stews and sides.

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Persian-ish Rice with Tahdig

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Salt, Plain Yogurt, Butter, Oil

Samin Nosrat's Persian-ish Rice with saffron and herbs

For those who are new to making tahdig, this recipe is a great place to start. It is a simplified version of the classic tahdig, using just a few ingredients, but still resulting in a perfectly crispy and flavorful dish.

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Persian Crispy Rice - Tahdig Rice

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Kosher Salt, Clarified Butter, Olive Oil

Tahdig (Persian Rice) in the Always Pan » Djalali Cooks Crispy Rice

This dish is often referred to as "tahdig rice" to distinguish it from other types of rice dishes in Persian cuisine. It is a staple in Persian households and is often served at family gatherings and celebrations.

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Persian Rice

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Vegetable Oil, Butter, Saffron, Bread

Although tahdig is the star of this dish, the rice itself is also an important component. Basmati rice is the preferred type of rice in Persian cuisine because of its long, slender grains and fragrant aroma. It is often soaked in salted water before cooking to enhance its flavor and texture.

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Tah Dig ~ Persian Rice

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Chicken Broth, Butter, Salt, Turmeric

Saffron and Yogurt Tahdig Rice Recipe | Mahatma® Rice

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Persian Jewelled Rice with Scorched Rice | Javaher Polow with Tah-dig

Tahdig can be made with different types of oil, such as vegetable oil, olive oil, or butter, depending on personal preference. Some people even like to mix different types of oil to achieve a unique and delicious flavor.

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Crispy Persian Rice

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Butter, Salt

Whether you are a fan of Persian cuisine or new to it, tahdig is a must-try dish that will surely impress your taste buds. With its crispy texture, fragrant aroma, and delicious flavor, it is no wonder why tahdig is often referred to as the "crown jewel" of Persian cuisine.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Rice

Types of Rice Used in Persian Cuisine

Basmati rice is the preferred choice for making Persian rice. This aromatic long-grain rice is known for its delicate flavor and ability to elongate when cooked. Another popular choice is jasmine rice, which has a similar texture to basmati but has a slightly different flavor profile. It is important to note that short-grain rice, such as sushi rice, should not be used for making Persian rice as it will result in a sticky and clumpy texture.

Preparation of Rice

To achieve the perfect texture and taste of Persian rice, it is essential to soak the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This process helps to remove excess starch and allows the rice to cook evenly. After soaking, rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This step is crucial as it ensures that the rice grains are separate and fluffy when cooked.

The Secret to Fluffy and Fragrant Rice

The Steaming Method

The key to achieving the signature fluffy texture of Persian rice lies in the steaming method. After cooking the rice in boiling water, it is drained and returned to the pot with a layer of melted butter or oil at the bottom. This creates a golden crust, called tahdig, at the bottom of the rice. The pot is then covered with a towel and a lid, and the rice is steamed for 30 minutes. This process creates a fluffy and fragrant rice with a crispy crust that is a delight to eat.

Additions for Extra Flavor

While the traditional Persian rice recipe is simple and flavorful on its own, you can add a few key ingredients to elevate its taste. Some popular additions include saffron, which adds a beautiful yellow color and a unique flavor, and barberries, which are tart and tangy and provide a burst of flavor. You can also add nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, for a crunchy texture and a touch of sweetness. In conclusion, the best Persian rice recipe is one that uses high-quality basmati rice, follows the soaking and steaming method, and includes some flavorful additions. With these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic Persian rice dish that will be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you want to impress your guests or simply want to enjoy a tasty meal, try out this recipe and savor the flavors of Iran.