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Tahdig (Crispy Persian Rice)

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Persian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Golden, crispy Persian rice with a crunchy bottom crust and fluffy, fragrant rice on top, tahdig is a comforting classic that turns simple ingredients into a showstopping side dish everyone loves.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

Instructions

  1. Bring the water and salt to a boil in a large pot. Add the basmati rice and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the grains are tender on the outside but still firm inside.
  2. Drain the rice in a colander and set aside.
  3. Place the pot back over low heat. Add the butter and neutral oil, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
  4. Sprinkle the ground turmeric evenly over the butter and oil.
  5. Gently add the par-cooked rice back into the pot, forming a mound without pressing it down.
  6. Wrap the lid with a kitchen towel, cover the pot, and cook on low heat for 30 to 35 minutes to form a crispy crust.
  7. Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Place a large plate over the pot and flip carefully to release the tahdig. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution.
  • Keep the heat low to prevent burning.
  • A nutty aroma is a good sign the tahdig is ready.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: tahdig, crispy persian rice, persian rice recipe, crunchy rice, iranian rice