Description
Aromatic saffron-infused Persian rice with tender shredded chicken, crispy golden tahdig, and a delightful mix of sweet dried fruits and toasted nuts. This stunning dish is a feast for the senses, combining rich flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 tbsp butter or ghee
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads, dissolved in 2 tbsp warm water
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup pistachios, toasted
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or barberries (zereshk)
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup candied orange peel (optional)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for tahdig)
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 tbsp butter or ghee
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads, dissolved in 2 tbsp warm water
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup pistachios, toasted
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or barberries (zereshk)
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup candied orange peel (optional)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for tahdig)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice – Rinse basmati rice in cold water until clear. Soak in salted water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- Cook the Chicken – Heat butter in a pan and sauté chicken with cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Parboil the Rice – Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add drained rice and cook for 5–7 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Make the Tahdig – Heat vegetable oil in a large pot. Spread a thin layer of rice at the bottom to create a crispy crust.
- Layer the Rice & Chicken – Add a layer of rice, followed by chicken, nuts, dried fruits, and saffron water. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with rice.
- Steam the Rice – Cover with a clean kitchen towel and lid. Cook on low heat for 30–40 minutes until fluffy.
- Serve – Flip the rice onto a serving platter to reveal the crispy golden tahdig. Garnish with extra nuts and dried fruits.
Notes
- For extra flavor, soak barberries in warm water with a little sugar before adding them.
- If using candied orange peel, rinse it to remove excess bitterness.
- Serve with yogurt or a side of fresh herbs for a traditional Persian experience.
