A classic Persian side dish with fluffy rice and a crispy, golden saffron crust.

My beautiful rice simplycannotcome out burnt.

I carefully but swiftly flip the pot onto the platter, and voila!

Serving Resting on the Side of Tahdig on an Ornate Silver Platter after Serving It

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Before everyone appears a mound of fluffy rice encased in a beautiful golden saffron crust.

What Is Tahdig?

Tahdig is a traditional Persian rice dish that literally means bottom of the pot.

Tahdig on an Ornate Silver Platter with a Serving Spoon and Next to It, a Table Napkin, Stack of Plates, and Two Plates of Food

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Believe me, it is the best part.

I take a simpler approach, creating the crisp layer with the rice itself.

How To Get a Golden Crust

There are a few ways to achieve the golden color.

Tahdig Served with a Kebab, a Side Salad, and a Lemon Slice. In the Background, a Platter with More Tahdig and a Plate with Another Serving

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

In my version, saffron is front and center.

But dont be alarmed, you wont need much.

Tahdig Basics

If youre feeling intimidated about making tahdig, just don’t be!

Serving Resting on the Side of Tahdig on an Ornate Silver Platter after Serving It, and Surrounding the Platter, Two Plates of Food (One with a Salad and Another with Kebabs)

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

I am here to break it down for you with lots of tips and tricks.

To start, lets think of preparing tahdig as a 3-step process.

How To Flip Tahdig

Dont be afraid to flip it.

Tahdig on an Ornate Silver Platter with a Serving Spoon and Next to It, a Table Napkin and Stack of Plates

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

I have been making tahdig for years and I still get a bit nervous, and thats okay!

Then, I ensure my platter is larger than the diameter of the pot so its easy to flip.

I like to use a tea towel to grip the platter and the handles of the pot.

Hand Agitating Basmati Rice in a Bowl of Water for Tahdig Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

It will still be delicious.

Submerge the bottom of the pot in the sink for a few minutes.

Wipe the pot dry and flip.

Basmati Rice Soaking in a Bowl of Water for Tahdig Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

My favorite comfort food is tahdig with dollops of creamy mast o khiara Persian-style cucumber and yogurt side dish.

Using your fingers, agitate the rice.

The water will be cloudy; discard it, leaving the wet grains behind.

Mortar and Pestle with Finely Ground Saffron Next to a Jar with More Saffron

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Repeat this process until the water appears to run clear.

Grind the saffron into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.

Combine the saffron powder and boiling water in a small bowl and set aside.

Saffron in a Small Bowl Mixed with a Bit of Water, and Next to It, a Mortar and Pestle for Tahdig Recipe

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Bring to a rolling boil.

Meanwhile, drain the soaked rice and discard the soaking water.

Add the drained rice to the pot.

Rice Boiling in a Dutch Oven Next to the Bowl of Saffron Water

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

The exact timing will vary from brand to brand.

Keep a vigilant eye on your rice and keep checking it every couple of minutes.

Drain the rice well in a mesh colander and run cool water over it so it stops cooking.

Colander of Cooked Rice Rinsed under a Running Faucet of Water

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Depending on the size of your pan, this will be 3/4 cup to 1 1/2 cups of rice.

This is what will magically transform into the golden, crispy crust.

Dot the holes with butter.

Colander of Rice Set on the Empty Dutch Oven Next to the Bowl of Saffron

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Stretch a clean, dry tea towel over the top and add the lid.

This will help prevent steam from escaping.

Tie the corners of the tea cloth together on top of the pots lid.

Small Bowl of Rice Mixed with Some Saffron Water and Cooking Oil

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

This will vary according to the pan you are using and the intensity of heat of your burner.

The grains at the bottom should be a deep golden color and crisp.

Remove the lid and place a large platter over the top of the pot.

Saffron Basmati Rice in a Pot for Tahdig

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Very carefully flip the rice onto the plate.

Tahdig is all about the crunch, so it is best eaten hot and steaming.

Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan.

Basmati Rice Added to Pot and Topped with Cubes of Butter

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

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Pot Covered with a Lid Wrapped with a Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Pot of Tahdig with Lid Removed

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Tahdig Flipped onto an Ornate Silver Platter

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Tahdig on an Ornate Silver Platter with a Serving Spoon and Next to It, a Table Napkin, Stack of Plates, and Two Plates of Food

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar