published Jun 05, 2023 I first encountered this dish from a neighborhood Middle Eastern market in San Diego years ago. What was this crispy shard laying on top of my kebabs? One bite and it got me hooked for this special part of the rice served along side the Beef and Lamb Koobideh Kabobs! Looking for a new way to jazz up your rice routine? This Persian recipe for tahdig (pronounced Ta-DEEG) is going to rock your world! Using only a handful of simple ingredients, we transform humble rice into a crispy, crunchy masterpiece. The technique used to make tahdig might be new to you, but don’t worry — you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Once you master this basic recipe, you can craft your own version! There are Persian crispy rice recipes that include everything from fresh herbs and chopped veggies to pomegranate seeds, orange zest, and much more. For more creative rice recipes, check out my Persian Saffron Rice with Apricot, Crispy Tachin Saffron Rice, or this Sizzling Rice Soup.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Basmati Rice – For a true Persian tahdig, stick with basmati rice for this recipe. Ghee – Ghee, or clarified butter, has all the rich taste and texture of butter with the added bonus of having a higher smoke point. Saffron – Adds a delicate floral flavor and beautiful golden color. For an affordable alternative that will still give you the golden hue, try a few pinches of turmeric powder.
HOW TO MAKE PERSIAN TAHDIG
- Steep the Saffron. Grind the saffron to a powder using a mortar and pestle. Mix with ¼ cup warm water and set aside to steep and bloom.
- Wash & Soak the Rice. In a medium bowl, swish the rice with cold water and drain. Repeat until the water is clear. Then, soak the grains in a mixture of 5 cups cold water and 2 tablespoons salt for 30 minutes.
- Boil the Rice. Bring 12 cups of water to boil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven. Add ¼ cup of salt to the boiling water. Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to the pot, then boil it for about 4 minutes. Set a timer for 5 minutes as soon as you see the first rice grain rise to the top.
- Drain & Rinse. Drain the rice in a colander, quickly rinse with lukewarm water, and set aside.
- Melt the Ghee. Over medium-low heat, melt together 2 tablespoons of the ghee with the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of saffron water. Gently swirl the pan to coat the entire bottom and a bit up the sides.
- Build the Tahdig. It is time to work quickly! With the first sizzle of the oil, add enough rice to cover the entire bottom of the pan with a thin layer of rice. Use a spatula to pack down your freshly made tahdig layer.
- Add the Rice. Gently pile the rest of the rice in a cone shape on top of the buttery layer, making sure to cover it completely. Carefully poke holes in the rice cones with the end of a wooden spoon. Increase the heat to medium, cover, and allow 10-12 minutes for the tahdig to set.
- Make Saffron Butter. As the rice cooks, melt the other 2 tablespoons of ghee or butter in a saucepan or microwave. Combine the melted butter with the rest of the saffron water and stir to mix.
- Drizzle & Drape. Remove the lid from the rice pot and drizzle the saffron butter mixture evenly over the rice. Then, carefully drape a kitchen towel over the top of the pot before securely replacing the lid.
- Reduce & Rotate. Turn the heat down to low and, if available, place a heat diffuser under the pot. Cook for 30 minutes, rotating periodically for even crisping. The top rice should be tender and fluffy with the tahdig layer being golden and crispy.
- Invert & Serve. Run a rubber spatula around the edges of the pot, then position a serving platter or tray over the pot. Quickly and confidently flip the pot upside down, listening for a swish sound as the rice releases.
TIPS AND TRICKS
Use at least two cups of dry basmati. Tahdig rice will present the best if there is a larger amount of rice. Intermittently turn the pan. Turning the pan every 10 to 15 minutes while steaming will cause a more evenly browned entrée. Or, you can try a heat diffuser placed over the burner and under the pan.
Cold water To help release the Persian crispy rice from the cooking pot, you can fill a sink with about one inch of cold water. Then, briefly set the bottom of the pot in the cold water.Alternatively, set it on a wet kitchen towel for a few minutes before removing the food.
What Do You Eat With Tahdig?
You can enjoy Persian crispy rice as a meatless entree or serve it as a side dish with all kinds of dishes. Here are a few recommended dishes to enjoy with your tahdig:
Lamb Shawarma (Shredded) or Lamb Koobideh Kabob Persian Meatballs (Koofteh) or Palestinian Fish Kofta Meatballs Joojeh Kabob (Persian Chicken Kabob) or Pomegranate Chicken Stews like Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Dates or my Instant Pot Lamb Stew (Dal Gosht ) Steamed Carrots with Yogurt Dressing or a Shirazi Salad
Can You Reheat Tahdig?
Yes! Store any leftover Persian crispy rice in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Once you are ready to enjoy it again, place it crispy side down in an oiled nonstick pan over medium heat. Heat it for a few minutes or until it is crispy on the outside and warm in the middle.
What Pan Is Best for Tahdig?
For the best results, I recommend a large nonstick stock pot. It is possible to use a cast iron pot or Dutch oven if that’s what you have on hand. Just note that you might need to add a bit of extra butter or oil to prevent sticking. Whichever pan you choose, briefly dipping the bottom of the pan in one inch of cold water before flipping will help with the release. Setting the pan on a cold wet towel for a few minutes will produce similar results.
Tahdig Variations
Want to give this traditional recipe a makeover? Adding herbs while cooking is a great way to bring new life to the dish. Another popular and delicious option involves stirring additional ingredients directly into the pot. Love this recipe? Share it with the world on Pinterest. Or, add fun and flavor to the meal by including something else thin and crisp-able to the bottom of the pan before cooking. Try any of these options for an exciting new flavor and texture.
Bread: Pieces of lavash, Khubz, or even flour tortillas like I use in my Sabzi Polo Recipe (Persian Herb Rice) Potatoes peeled and sliced to ¼-inch-thickness like I use in my Lubia Polo (Iranian Rice Dish) Cooked noodles Yogurt: Add plain yogurt to the pre-cooked grain and use it at the bottom of the pan for the toasted part Fresh herbs: Add finely chopped cilantro or parsley
