Hello and welcome to Rice Cookers 101! Today, I am excited to share with you a delicious and nutritious recipe for Persian Tofu Rice. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a flavorful and filling meal that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by the entire family. With the use of a rice cooker, you can simplify the cooking process to create a dish that is packed with protein and bursting with aromatic spices. So, let’s get started and learn how to make this Persian Tofu Rice that will surely be a hit at your next meal! We’ve made this persian tofu 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.

persian tofu rice ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 cups long-grain white rice, washed and drained
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 block of firm tofu, drained and pressed for 15 minutes
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté sliced onion in a large pot with vegetable oil and butter until golden brown.
  2. Add cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Sauté for an additional minute while stirring constantly.
  3. Crumble the pressed tofu into small pieces. Add to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden on the edges.
  4. Put the washed and drained rice into the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add water, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
  6. Once the rice is fully cooked, remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  7. Serve Persian Tofu Rice in a large bowl, with an optional garnish of pomegranate seeds.

persian tofu rice

How long does persian tofu rice last in the fridge?

Persian tofu rice, also known as tahchin, can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days after cooking. To ensure freshness and prevent spoilage, it is important to store the rice in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly after it has cooled to room temperature. When reheating, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the rice to prevent it from drying out and microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, reheat it in a covered skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of water until heated through. With proper storage and reheating techniques, persian tofu rice can be safely enjoyed as a delicious meal several days after cooking.

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Low calorie persian tofu rice recipe substitutions

To make this recipe lower in calories, there are a few substitutions you can make. First, instead of using butter, you can use a low-calorie cooking spray or substitute it with a small amount of vegetable broth. Similarly, you can replace the vegetable oil with a lower-calorie alternative, such as olive oil or coconut oil. You can also reduce the amount of tofu used in the recipe or substitute it with a low-calorie protein source, such as grilled chicken breast or shrimp. Additionally, you can use brown rice instead of white rice, as it contains more fiber and nutrients. Finally, you can add more herbs and spices to the recipe to enhance the flavor without adding any additional calories. By making these changes, you can enjoy a delicious Persian Tofu Rice dish without compromising on taste while decreasing the calorie count.

What to serve with a persian tofu rice?

Persian tofu rice pairs great with a simple salad made of fresh lettuce, cucumber, and tomato dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, or any other fresh vegetable or herb sides such as roasted vegetables, pickled vegetables, or a simple side of fresh sliced avocado. You can also serve Persian tofu rice with a bowl of yogurt or tzatziki sauce on the side for added creaminess and tang. Finally, a refreshing iced tea or lemonade is perfect to wash it all down.

Whats the best sauce for a persian tofu rice?

The best sauce for Persian tofu rice would be a tangy and slightly sweet pomegranate sauce. Pomegranate sauce, or “Fesenjan” in Persian cuisine, is made from pomegranate molasses and ground walnuts, creating a thick and flavorful sauce. It pairs perfectly with the light and fluffy texture of tofu, complementing the nutty and earthy flavors of the rice. The sweetness and acidity of the sauce balance out the dish, making it a delicious and unique meal that is sure to please.

Persian tofu rice health benefits

Persian tofu rice, also known as tahchin, has several health benefits. Firstly, tofu is an excellent source of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for building lean muscle mass and repairing tissues. It is also low in saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy option. Basmati rice, which is typically used in Persian cuisine, is a complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy and is low in fat. Additionally, the use of saffron, turmeric, and other spices in Persian cuisine has been linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These spices can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which may lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Overall, Persian tofu rice is a delicious and healthy meal that provides essential nutrients and health benefits. If you’re looking for another healthy recipe, you might try a Greek salad with grilled chicken. It contains lots of fresh vegetables and lean protein while being low in carbs and fat.

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