Crispy Persian Rice Recipe

User Reviews

5.0

1,239 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    20 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    50 mins

  • Servings

    8 servings

  • Calories

    265 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    Mediterranean

Crispy Persian Rice Recipe

Tahdig, crispy Persian basmati rice infused with saffron and turmeric with a golden butter crust. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside!

I Made This!

929 people made this

Save this

743 people saved this

Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 cups basmati rice rinsed very well until water runs clear
  • ½ cup kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon saffron threads ground with the bottom of a wooden spoon (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
Add to Shopping List

Instructions

  1. Fill a large stockpot with 4 quarts of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add ½ cup kosher salt (don't worry, you will not be eating all this!) Add the rice, and stir. Cook until al dente, 4-5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
  2. If using saffron, mix 3 tablespoons of water with ground saffron threads in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, egg, turmeric, and half the saffron water (if using). Remove 2 ½ cups of cooked rice and combine it with the yogurt mixture in the large bowl.
  4. Set a 10-inch or 11-inch nonstick or cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the butter and oil. When butter melts, add yogurt-rice mixture into pan and gently press it in and up the sides.
  5. Add remaining cooked rice into pan, making sure not to press into the pan and drizzle with remaining half of saffron water (if using). Turn heat up to medium high until rice is sizzling. Let cook
  6. Let the rice cook for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid wrapped with a clean towel and cook until rice is fully cooked and the edges are golden brown, 15-17 minutes.
  7. To remove rice, carefully run a rubber spatula along edges of pan. Top skillet with a plate that’s larger in circumference and carefully and swiftly flip the pan. Top with fresh dill and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Storage: Tahdig is best served fresh out of the pan, but, if you do have leftovers try and store them with the crispy side facing up. This will allow for easy reheating and help the rice crisp back up. 

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 265kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 37g (12%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 32mg (11%) Sodium 7086mg (295%) Potassium 78mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 161IU (3%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 28mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 265 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 265kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 37g 12%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 32mg 11%
Sodium 7086mg 295%
Potassium 78mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 161IU 3%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 28mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

5.0

1,239 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe

Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
5.0 (3 reviews)

Crispy Rice Salad Recipe

Mediterranean
4.0 (6 reviews)

Turmeric Rice (Flavorful Yellow Rice)

Asian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
0.0 (0 reviews)

Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Mediterranean
5.0 (9 reviews)

Crispy Sauteed Eggplant Recipe (15 Minutes)

Mediterranean, American
4.5 (12 reviews)

Crispy Potatoes

Mediterranean, American, Vegan
5.0 (3 reviews)

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Mediterranean, American
5.0 (18 reviews)

Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Mediterranean
5.0 (15 reviews)

Crispy Gooey Grilled Halloumi Cheese

Mediterranean
5.0 (3 reviews)

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant (+ Flavor Options)

Mediterranean, American
5.0 (3 reviews)

Epic Roasted Carrots With Crispy Chickpeas

Mediterranean
5.0 (3 reviews)

Roasted Cauliflower Salad With Crispy Beans

Mediterranean, American
5.0 (3 reviews)

Crispy Quinoa Spring Salad

Mediterranean
4.9 (24 reviews)

Crispy Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower And Chickpeas

Mediterranean, American
4.9 (24 reviews)

Crispy Wild Mushrooms

Mediterranean
5.0 (21 reviews)

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Za'atar

Mediterranean
5.0 (102 reviews)