Persian Fried Rice Recipe

Welcome to Rice Cookers 101! Today, we are excited to share with you a delicious Persian Fried Rice recipe that will take your taste buds on a journey to the exotic Middle East. This dish combines fragrant basmati rice with crunchy almonds, sweet raisins, and warm spices like saffron and cardamom to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create this impressive and satisfying dish that will open your palate to a whole new world of culinary delights. Let’s get started! We’ve made this persian fried rice recipe easy to follow 👨‍🍳. If you’re looking for our favorite rice cookers to make this recipe, check out our list of top rice cookers here.

Ingredients

Here’s the ingredient list formatted as an HTML unordered list:“`

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads, steeped in 1/4 cup hot water
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tbsp plain yogurt
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/2 cup golden raisins, plumped in hot water

“`

Instructions

1. Wash 2 cups of basmati rice in several changes of cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in salted water for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours if possible. Drain the rice.
2. In a deep pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1/2 tsp of salt and the rice, and let boil until the rice is almost fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain the rice and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 tbsp of melted unsalted butter, 4 tbsp of plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 2 large eggs until smooth. Add in the saffron water and stir to combine.
5. Fold the cooked basmati rice into the yogurt mixture until well combined.
6. In a frying pan, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup of toasted almond slivers and fry until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
7. In the same pan, lightly fry 1/2 cup of golden raisins until plump and juicy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a deep 9-inch (23-cm) round baking dish.
9. Layer the bottom of the dish with half of the toasted almonds and raisins, then pour the rice mixture over the top. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Let cool for 10 minutes before carefully inverting onto a serving platter, making sure the Tahchin releases cleanly from the dish. Garnish with the remaining almonds and raisins, and serve.

How long does persian fried rice last in the fridge?

Persian fried rice, also known as tahdig, is a delicious and flavorful rice dish typically made with saffron, butter, and yogurt. After cooking, the rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. It’s important to let the rice cool down completely before placing it in the container to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause the rice to spoil quickly. To reheat the fried rice, you can gently microwave it or warm it in a pan with a little bit of water or oil to prevent sticking. It’s always best to consume leftover rice as soon as possible to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.

Low calorie persian fried rice recipe substitutions

To make this Persian Fried Rice recipe lower in calories, there are several substitutions that can be made. First, instead of using 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, you can reduce it to 2 tablespoons or replace it with a lower calorie oil such as olive oil or avocado oil. Additionally, you can use low-fat plain yogurt instead of regular plain yogurt. Instead of using 1/2 cup of slivered almonds, you can reduce it to 1/4 cup or opt for a lower calorie nut such as pistachios. Lastly, reducing the amount of golden raisins used or replacing them with a lower calorie dried fruit would also make a difference in calorie count. Making these substitutions will help make the dish lower in calories without sacrificing flavor.

What to serve with a persian fried rice?

Persian fried rice is a classic dish that pairs perfectly with various sides and accompaniments. To balance the flavors, you could try serving it with grilled chicken or lamb kebabs seasoned with herbs like saffron, sumac, and garlic. Adding a side of fresh or pickled vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, along with a salad of mixed greens, would also make a refreshing and light complement to the rice’s richness. Additionally, a dollop of yogurt or achar (spicy pickles) on the side would complement the rice’s robust and savory flavors, balancing out its spice and heat. Finally, a cup of Persian chai or black tea would be an excellent way to finish off the meal and help you digest the rich and flavorful rice.

Whats the best sauce for a persian fried rice?

The best sauce for Persian fried rice, also known as tahdig, would be Mast-o-Khiar. This refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip is simple to make and perfect for complementing the aromatic and flavorful rice. To make the sauce, combine Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, chopped fresh mint, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This sauce not only balances the spiciness of the rice, but it also adds a cooling, creamy element to the dish.

Persian fried rice health benefits

Persian fried rice can have some health benefits, depending on the ingredients used. Rice is a good source of carbohydrates for energy, while saffron, turmeric and other spices used in the recipe have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the dish can also be high in fat and calories, especially if made with excessive amounts of oil or butter. To make a healthier recipe, you can try making brown rice instead of white rice, and using less oil or substituting with low-fat alternatives. Additionally, including more vegetables and plant-based protein such as chickpeas or lentils can increase the nutritional value of the dish.