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Tahdig (Crispy Saffron Rice Crust)

The most fought-over thing at a Persian table: the golden, shatteringly crisp crust at the bottom of the rice pot — built from saffron rice, or a layer of potato, flatbread, or yogurt-rice — flipped out to reveal its lacquered crown.

1 hr 30 min · Serves 6 · Takes some skill

Recipe by Halal Gourmet Editorial Team

Serves
6

Ingredients

Rice

Crust

Time
Prep 30 min · Cook 60 min · 90 min total
Difficulty
hard
  1. 1

    Parboil and drain rice (two-stage method).

    20 min
  2. 2

    Lay the chosen tahdig base (oiled potato slices, lavash, or saffron-yogurt-rice) in the buttered pot bottom.

    10 min
  3. 3

    Mound rice on top, poke steam holes, wrap the lid in a towel, and steam (dam) on low until a deep golden crust forms; invert onto a platter.

    50 min

Notes and swaps

Allergens
Not assessed yet. Check each ingredient if you have an allergy.

Community discussion

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