Golden Persian Tahdig

Rinse rice: Wash Basmati rice several times under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing sticky rice.

Parboil rice: Bring a large pot of salted water (about 8-10 cups with 1 tsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add the rinsed Basmati rice and cook for 5-7 minutes. The rice should be al dente, still firm but slightly softened.

Drain and rinse: Drain the parboiled rice in a colander and immediately rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent grains from sticking together. Set aside to drain well.

Prepare saffron-yogurt mixture: In a small bowl, combine the crushed saffron threads with 2 tablespoons of hot water. Let it bloom for 5-10 minutes. In a separate, larger bowl, mix the bloomed saffron with the plain yogurt until well combined.

Prepare the pot: Add vegetable oil or melted butter to the bottom of a non-stick pot (about 3-4 tablespoons). Swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Place the pot over medium heat.

Create the Tahdig layer: Spread the saffron-yogurt mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pot. Ensure a uniform layer for a consistent crust.

Layer the rice: Gently spoon the parboiled rice over the saffron-yogurt mixture, forming a loose pyramid shape in the center. Avoid pressing the rice down, as this allows steam to circulate and cook the rice evenly.

Steam the rice: Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel tucked securely under the lid (this absorbs excess moisture). Place the pot over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes to initiate the crust formation.

Reduce heat and finish: Reduce the heat to low. Continue to cook for another 35-45 minutes. You may hear a gentle sizzling sound, indicating the crust is forming. Do not lift the lid during this time.

Serve: To check if the Tahdig is ready, you can gently tilt the pot and peek at the bottom. Once golden and crispy, remove the pot from the heat. Place a large serving platter over the pot and, using oven mitts, carefully invert the pot, allowing the Tahdig to release onto the platter. Serve immediately as the centerpiece of your meal.