How to Make Persian Rice - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to Persian cuisine, one can't help but think of the fragrant and flavorful rice dishes that are a staple in Persian cooking. One such dish is the famous Persian rice, which is characterized by its delicate texture and subtle aroma. This dish is a perfect example of the Iranian culinary tradition, as it showcases the meticulous attention to detail and complex flavors that are synonymous with Persian cooking.

What sets Persian rice apart from other rice dishes is the uniqu...

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Ingredients

  • 3 quarts water
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 russet potato, cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 1 pinch ground cumin
  • salt to taste
  • 3 tablespoons butter, cut into thin slices, or to taste
  • 1 pinch saffron threads
  • 1 ½ tablespoons hot water
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 55 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
  • Servings: 8

  • Place water and kosher salt in a pot; bring to a boil. Add rice; cook and stir for exactly 7 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Cover the bottom of the pot with 1 layer of potato slices. Sprinkle cumin and salt over potatoes. Cook until potatoes are sizzling, 2 to 3 minutes; top potatoes with rice to form an even layer. Reduce heat to low and place butter slices over rice.
  • Top the pot with a layer of clean paper towels, then place the lid over the towels. Steam until rice is fluffy, about 45 minutes.
  • Grind saffron threads with a mortar and pestle. Mix crushed saffron with 1 1/2 tablespoons hot water in a large bowl. Add a couple of spoonfuls of rice to saffron mixture and stir until rice is yellow.
  • Spoon remaining rice into a serving bowl. Top with saffron rice and line the edges of the bowl with potatoes. Garnish with parsley.
  • Nutrition

    255 cal.

    • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 11mg
    • Sodium: 2223mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 42g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 4g
    • Vitamin C: 6mg
    • Calcium: 20mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 124mg