Tahchin, Dive into the Golden Delight of Persian Cuisine
A Beautiful Work of Art with Iranian Rice and Saffron
Rice occupies a prominent position on the Persian dining table, with a variety of techniques available for its preparation. These range from straightforward steamed rice to intricate rice dishes that incorporate multiple ingredients layered within, resulting in a cohesive one-pot meal. Tahchin, which means “arranged at the bottom,” is a traditional casserole-style rice dish. It is made by mixing tangy yogurt, rich eggs, fragrant saffron, and oil into the rice, resulting in a delectable savory cake.
Typically, Tahchin features eggplants, chicken, or other ingredients that are artistically placed at the bottom or in the center of the cooking vessel. As is common with many Persian rice dishes, the base of the pot develops a crispy texture during cooking, and the dish is served inverted to reveal the highly sought-after crispy Tahdig.
Contents
How to Make Tahchin? Instructions and Recipe
Tahchin is a traditional Persian rice cake that incorporates saffron, yogurt, and eggs, along with Persian rice. However, it is advisable to enhance the dish by incorporating additional ingredients such as chicken, meat, or vegetables like eggplant. The selection of these components is entirely at your discretion, whether to opt for one or a combination of them. To create this delightful dish, we will require the following ingredients.
- rice
- Saffron
- Yogurt
- Egg
- Vegetable oil
- Butter
- Chicken (breast is more common)
- Salt
- Black pepper
To prepare chicken (Morgh), begin by heating a pan with four tablespoons of vegetable oil. Finely chop an onion and sauté it in the oil until it reaches a golden color. Once the onion is ready, incorporate ½ tablespoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Next, add two pieces of chicken breasts to the pan. Finally, introduce 2 tablespoons of bloomed saffron and cover the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for approximately one hour.
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For the next step, it is essential to wash and soak three cups of Persian rice. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil, adding salt to taste. After draining the soaked rice in a colander, transfer it into the boiling water. Once the rice is to the surface, turn off the heat. Drain the rice again using the colander and rinse it with cold water.
Cook a Rice, Yellow as Gold
Begin by obtaining a bowl. Combine 1.5 cups of yogurt, three eggs, ½ cup of bloomed saffron, 1 tablespoon of salt, and ¼ cup of vegetable oil in the bowl, ensuring thorough mixing. It is worth noting that some individuals prefer to use only egg yolks in this preparation.
Next, incorporate parboiled rice into the mixture and blend well. Take a pot and add four tablespoons of vegetable oil. Introduce half of the rice and yogurt mixture into the pot. Cut the chicken into small pieces and layer it over the rice. Subsequently, distribute the remaining rice mixture over the chicken. Finally, place butter atop the Tahchin. The Tahchin is now prepared for cooking.
Tahchin Can be Cooked In Stove or Oven!
Tahchin can be prepared using either a gas stove or an oven. To begin, cover the pot with aluminum foil and puncture it with 4 to 6 holes. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Allow the rice to cook in the oven for one hour before removing the foil. After an additional hour of cooking without the foil, the Tahchin will be complete. If your oven is equipped with a grill function, activate it for 20 minutes, taking care to monitor the dish to prevent burning. It is advisable to check on it periodically.
To prepare Tahchin on the stove, begin by covering the pan. Initially, allow the rice to steam for five minutes over high heat. Subsequently, reduce the heat and cook for two hours on low heat.
Vegan Tahchin, the Other Face of Golden Rice Cake
Crafting Vegan Tahchin, a traditional Persian dish featuring mushrooms and spinach, is akin to embarking on a delightful culinary journey. Envision the enticing aroma of mushrooms sautéing alongside fresh spinach, enveloping your kitchen in warmth. The combination of fluffy rice, creamy yogurt, and saffron creates a harmonious blend that feels almost magical.
Each bite offers a rich tapestry of creamy textures and wholesome flavors that evoke a sense of joy. With every mouthful, you experience the exquisite essence of Persian cuisine, which not only comforts the soul but also leaves you yearning for more. Vegan Tahchin transcends mere sustenance; it is an exploration of flavors that transforms dining into an enjoyable experience.
Certainly, Tahchin can be prepared using eggplant. Simply fry the eggplants and incorporate them into the rice in place of the chicken. The remaining ingredients and instructions remain unchanged from those used for chicken breast.
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Final Words
Tahchin, is a delicious and visually stunning Persian rice dish. It is made with a combination of rice, yogurt, eggs, and saffron, which gives it a beautiful golden color. The dish is often layered with chicken, but it can also be made with other ingredients like vegetables or even lamb.
Tahchin, Golden Rice Cake FAQ
What are the main foodstuffs of Tahchin?
To bake Tahchin or rice cake you should provide rice, egg, yogurt, saffron and chicken breast.
Shall we make Tahchin in oven?
Yes, you can make Tahchin on stove or in oven.
Is there any recipe of Tahchin for vegetarian people?
Yes, vegetarian could test taste Tahchin with different recipe. Instead of chicken you can use eggplant or mushroom.
