Tahdig
Persian Crispy Rice
Tahdig is the coveted crispy, golden rice crust found at the bottom of a pot of Persian rice. It's a textural delight, offering a satisfying crunch that is often the most sought-after part of the meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups Basmati rice(Long-grain Basmati is essential for the best texture.)
- 60 g Butter(Unsalted, softened.)
- 60 ml Neutral oil(Such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil.)
- 0.5 tsp Saffron threads(Ground saffron is also acceptable, but threads offer better aroma. Steep in 2 tbsp hot water for 10 minutes before use.)
- 2 tbsp Plain yogurt(Full-fat Greek yogurt or regular plain yogurt.)
- 1 Egg yolk(Large.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 6 cups Water(For par-boiling the rice.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the Basmati rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, crucial for fluffy rice and a good crust. Soak the rinsed rice in a bowl of lukewarm water with 1 tsp salt for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour).
⏱️ 30-60 minutes (soaking) - 2
Prepare the saffron mixture: In a small bowl, combine the steeped saffron liquid (or ground saffron mixed with 2 tbsp hot water) with the yogurt and egg yolk. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This mixture will give the tahdig its signature golden color and aroma.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Par-boil the rice: Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling water. Add 1 tsp salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is *al dente* – cooked through but still firm to the bite. It should not be fully cooked.
⏱️ 7-10 minutes - 4
Drain the par-boiled rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve. Set aside about 1 cup of the drained rice. This will be used for the tahdig layer.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Combine the reserved rice with the saffron-yogurt-egg mixture. Gently fold until the rice is evenly coated in the golden mixture. Ensure every grain is touched by the vibrant color.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
Prepare the pot: In a non-stick pot (around 2-3 quart size is ideal), melt 30g of the butter with 30ml of the oil over medium heat. Swirl to coat the bottom and sides of the pot evenly. This fat layer is key to preventing sticking and achieving crispiness.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 7
Layer the tahdig: Carefully spread the saffron-coated rice evenly over the bottom of the prepared pot, pressing down gently to form a compact layer. Then, add the remaining plain par-boiled rice on top, mounding it slightly in the center.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
Add remaining fat: Dot the remaining 30g butter and 30ml oil over the top of the plain rice. You can also make small wells in the rice and pour some of the melted butter/oil into them, which helps steam the rice evenly.
⏱️ 1 minute - 9
Steam and crisp: Cover the pot tightly with a lid. For the first 10 minutes, cook over medium heat (around 180°C / 350°F) to generate steam. Then, reduce the heat to low (around 120°C / 250°F) and cook for another 40-50 minutes. To absorb excess steam and prevent sogginess, wrap the lid in a clean kitchen towel, ensuring the ends do not touch the flame.
⏱️ 50-60 minutes - 10
Rest and invert: Once the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and let the pot rest, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the crust to firm up. Carefully place a large serving platter over the pot. With a confident, swift motion, invert the pot onto the platter. Gently lift the pot to reveal the golden, crispy tahdig.
⏱️ 10 minutes (resting) + 1 minute (inverting)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a non-stick pot with a tight-fitting lid for best results. A heavy-bottomed pot also helps distribute heat evenly.
- ✓Ensure the heat is low enough during the main cooking phase to crisp the rice without burning it. Listen for a gentle sizzle, not an aggressive crackle.
- ✓The towel under the lid is crucial for absorbing steam, which is the enemy of crispy tahdig.
- ✓Don't be afraid to press the saffron rice layer down firmly; this helps it hold together as a cohesive crust.
- ✓Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum crispiness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add thinly sliced potatoes or lavash bread to the bottom of the pot before layering the rice for an alternative tahdig base.
- Mix dried barberries (zereshk) or sour cherries into the plain rice for a sweet and tart element.
- Incorporate finely chopped herbs like dill or parsley into the plain rice.