17 Persian Baked Rice Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
Persian cuisine is known for its flavorful dishes and aromatic spices, and one of the most beloved dishes is the Persian baked rice. This dish is a staple in Persian households and is often served during special occasions, such as weddings and holidays. The combination of tender rice, crispy tahdig (crust), and succulent meat makes this dish a mouthwatering experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Persian baked rice recipe and how to recreate it in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Rice, Butter, Chopped Onion, Chicken Broth, Salt
Baked rice is a classic dish that is loved by many for its simplicity and versatility. It is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a potluck with friends. The key to making the perfect baked rice is in the ingredients and the cooking method. With a little bit of creativity and the right recipe, you can create a dish that is sure to impress. Here are 20 different baked rice recipes that will take your taste buds on a delicious journey.
Persian baked rice, also known as "Chelow," is a traditional Iranian dish that is usually served with meat or vegetables on top. The rice is cooked with a layer of crispy crust, called "Tahdig," which adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish. This recipe uses saffron, which gives the rice a beautiful golden color and a fragrant aroma. It's a must-try for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons.
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Old Fashioned Baked Rice Pudding
Main Ingredients: Milk, Rice, Granulated Sugar, Lemon Zest, Nutmeg
If you have a sweet tooth, this old-fashioned baked rice pudding recipe is for you. It's a creamy and comforting dessert that is perfect for colder days. Made with simple ingredients such as rice, milk, and sugar, this recipe is easy to make and will surely bring back childhood memories. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a perfect finishing touch.
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Baked Rice Pudding
Main Ingredients: Cooked White Rice, Eggs, Milk, Sugar, Salt, Cinnamon
This baked rice pudding recipe is a healthier twist on the old-fashioned version. Instead of using white sugar, it calls for honey and maple syrup, which gives the pudding a natural sweetness. It also uses almond milk instead of regular milk, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet. It's a guilt-free dessert that everyone can enjoy.
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Baked Chicken and Rice
Main Ingredients: Cream Of Chicken Soup, Cream Of Mushroom Soup, Cream Of
Nothing beats the classic combination of chicken and rice. This recipe takes it up a notch by baking the chicken and rice together, allowing all the flavors to meld together. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, while the rice is cooked with chicken broth and vegetables, making it a complete meal in one dish. It's a great option for a busy weeknight dinner.
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Easy Oven Baked Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Chicken Stock, Chopped Onion, Red Bell Pepper
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious baked rice dish, this easy oven-baked rice recipe is for you. It requires minimal prep time and uses only a few ingredients, making it a great option for a last-minute meal. The rice is cooked with chicken broth and butter, giving it a rich and savory flavor. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein to make it a complete meal.
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Mom's Old-Fashioned Baked Rice Pudding
Main Ingredients: Rice, Sugar, Salt, Whole Milk, Vanilla Extract, Large
For many of us, our mom's cooking holds a special place in our hearts. This old-fashioned baked rice pudding recipe is a tribute to all the moms out there who have cooked delicious meals for their families. It uses simple ingredients, just like our moms would use, and is finished off with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a nostalgic touch. It's a recipe that will warm your heart and your stomach.
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Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Rice, Ground Beef
Stuffed peppers are a fun and creative way to enjoy baked rice. The peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of rice, ground beef, and spices, making it a complete meal in one dish. The peppers are then topped with cheese and baked in the oven until they are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. It's a dish that will impress your family and friends.
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Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Main Ingredients: Cream Of Chicken Soup, Mayo, Milk, Lemon Juice, Curry
This chicken broccoli casserole is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy baked rice. The dish is filled with tender chicken, broccoli, and brown rice, making it a nutritious and filling meal. It's also a great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters. Serve it as a main dish or a side dish, and watch it disappear in no time.
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Seafood Baked Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Prawns, Clams, Squid, Fish Fillet, Mixed
If you're a seafood lover, this baked rice recipe is for you. It's filled with shrimp, scallops, and calamari, making it a dish that is bursting with flavor. The seafood is cooked with rice, tomatoes, and spices, giving it a Mediterranean flair. It's a great option for a fancy dinner party or a special occasion.
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Spanish Rice
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, White Onion, Jalapeno Chiles, Rice, Canola
This Spanish rice recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It's a flavorful and colorful dish that is perfect for any fiesta or potluck. The rice is cooked with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of spices, giving it a delicious and tangy taste. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein to make it a complete meal.
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Cheesy Baked Rice
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Dried Parsley, Colby Jack Cheese, Eggs
Cheese lovers, rejoice! This cheesy baked rice recipe is a dream come true. The dish is filled with three different types of cheese and topped with a layer of crispy breadcrumbs. It's a decadent and indulgent dish that will satisfy all your cravings. Serve it as a side dish or a main course, and watch it disappear in seconds.
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Oven Baked Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Hot Water, Salt, Butter
This oven-baked rice recipe is a simple and foolproof way to make perfect rice every time. It requires minimal ingredients and prep time, making it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner. The rice is cooked with chicken broth and butter, giving it a rich and savory flavor. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course.
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No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole
Main Ingredients: Rice, Cream Of Chicken Soup, Cream Of Mushroom Soup
This no-peek chicken rice casserole is a lifesaver for busy days. It's a one-dish meal that requires minimal prep time and can be made ahead of time. The chicken and rice are cooked with cream of mushroom soup and topped with a layer of cheese, making it a creamy and comforting dish. Simply cover it and let it bake in the oven without peeking until it's done – hence the name.
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Cabbage Rolls
Main Ingredients: Green Cabbage, Ground Pork, Ground Beef, Onions
Cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food that is loved by many. This recipe takes the traditional dish to the next level by adding baked rice to the filling. The rice adds a delicious and hearty texture to the rolls, making them even more satisfying. They are then baked in a savory tomato sauce until they are tender and bursting with flavor.
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Baked Rice Cups
Main Ingredients: Rice, Eggs, Peas, Carrots, Almond Flour, Onion
Baked rice cups are a fun and creative way to serve rice. They are perfect for parties or as a snack for kids. The rice is mixed with eggs, cheese, and spices, and baked in a muffin tin until it forms crispy and delicious cups. You can fill them with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or pulled pork, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.
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Maltese-style Baked Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Saffron Threads, Beef Mince, Pork Mince, Salt
This Maltese-style baked rice is a unique and flavorful dish that is perfect for anyone looking to try something new. It uses traditional Maltese ingredients such as pork sausage, peas, and olives, giving it a Mediterranean touch. The rice is cooked with a blend of spices and tomato paste, making it a hearty and comforting meal.
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Tahdig (Persian Rice)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Water, Salt, Olive Oil
Tahdig, also known as "crispy rice," is a beloved Persian dish that is served with many traditional meals. It's a crispy layer of rice that forms at the bottom of the pot, which is then flipped and served on top of the rice. It's a delicious and unique way to enjoy rice, and it's a must-try for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons.
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Persian Saffron Chicken {Zereshk Polo Ba Morgh}
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Bone In Chicken, Large Yellow Onion
This Persian saffron chicken recipe is a fragrant and flavorful dish that will transport you to the streets of Iran. The chicken is cooked with rice and a blend of spices, including saffron, giving it a beautiful golden color and a unique taste. It's then topped with dried barberries, also known as zereshk, which adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
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Baked Smothered Pork Chops
Main Ingredients: Pork Chops, Rice, Medium Onion, Cream Of Mushroom Soup
This baked smothered pork chops recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy pork chops. The chops are smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce and baked with rice, creating a one-dish meal that is packed with flavor. It's a great option for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
The perfect Persian baked rice requires the following ingredients:
Basmati Rice: This long-grain rice is the key ingredient in Persian baked rice. Its fluffy texture and fragrant aroma make it the perfect base for this dish.
Meat: Traditionally, lamb or beef is used in this dish. The meat is cooked separately and then added to the rice during the baking process.
Onions: Onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the rice and are a must-have ingredient in this recipe.
Spices: A combination of saffron, cumin, and coriander gives this dish its distinct Persian flavor. These spices can be found in most grocery stores or specialty markets.
Butter: Butter is used to create the crispy tahdig (crust) at the bottom of the rice. It adds a rich and buttery flavor to the dish.
Preparation
Step 1: Soak the Rice
To achieve the perfect texture for your rice, it's important to soak it beforehand. This will help the grains to cook evenly and prevent them from breaking.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
The meat is cooked separately and then added to the rice during the baking process. This step ensures that the meat is cooked to perfection and adds a layer of flavor to the rice.
Step 3: Prepare the Onions
The onions are thinly sliced and caramelized in a pan before being added to the rice. This step adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Once all the components are prepared, it's time to layer them in a baking dish. Start with a layer of rice, followed by the meat, onions, and finally, another layer of rice. This layering technique ensures that every bite is filled with flavor.
Step 5: Create the Tahdig
The final and most important step is to create the crispy tahdig (crust) at the bottom of the rice. This is achieved by melting butter in a pan and pouring it over the rice before covering and baking it in the oven.
Final Thoughts
Persian baked rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish in Persian cuisine. With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you can recreate this dish in your own kitchen and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the flavors of Persia in your own home?