My lovely aunt has given me the most wonderful gift - the gift of Persian style rice. I don’t think I’ll ever make it any other way.
As you can see, the rice is really not the highlight of the rice. Does that make sense? It’s early. Directly from my South-African by location, Persian by marriage, Southern Californian by birth auntie. Didn’t I say I have a multicultural family?
Chelo
basmati or long-grain rice – about 3 cups
2 or 3 potatoes peeled and sliced about ¼ inch thick
Butter / oil
salt
Wash rice two or three times (fill the bowl of rice with water, gently move the rice around with your hand to release the starch and drain) and soak in water for 3-4 hours, then drain the water. Pour water in a large non-stick pan until it is half-full and bring it to a boil. Add rice and a spoonful of salt and continue boiling until rice slightly softens. Pour rice into a large strainer and wash it with slightly warm water.
Melt a few spoonfuls of butter and cooking oil into the pan. Place the potato slices in the bottom of the pan and then add the rice taking care not to pack it too tightly. The rice should be in a bit of a cone shape in the pot. Add a couple knobs of butter to the top of the rice and then about a ¼ cup water. Cover the pan and cook over low heat for about an hour. A delicious crispy layer of rice and potato (called ta-dig) will form at the bottom of the pan.
Now, instead of fighting over the ta-dig with my cousins, it’s all mine! Bwah-ha-ha!
Thanks, MP.
I never thought about combining rice and potatoes but basmati rice by itself is awesome.
Wow your potatoe ta-dig looks really delicious!! Well done you little Persian you!!!
Kudos - I’ve been afraid of attempting that recipe forever and now I’m gaining the courage to attempt it. Mary Pat - it is amazing and I expect to be writing to you soon with similar results (hopefully). Way to go Carrie! I’ve just bought Basmati at a Persian store (it comes from Afganastan and is in a yellow cloth bag - should last for quite awhile. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures and inspiration. XOXO Mom
I tagged you, see my blog…
Carrie,
Thank God at least one of your Aunts can cook. Maybe Terry can show you how to boil water.
Love Chuck
Sorry it took so long to reply but I have no idea what these blogs are. Your Mom sent me this link so I could see your tribute to your Dad.
Is this something that you post things to all the time?
Love, your computor moran,
Chuck
I didn’t know either, so I am having a blast reading all of this, but at least, dear brother, give me more credit than boiling water. My rice krispie treats at least. :)
I know I’ve been scared to try the rice as well, but now that you wrote it down Car, I’m gonna give it a shot. I went out and got a bag and we’ll see…. (The bags are HUGE!) The ta-dig looks so yummy I want it tonight!