Zahav Persian Rice

Updated at: Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:38:07 GMT

Step 1

• Cover the rice with 4 cups water in a large bowl and add a pinch of salt. Let soak for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. Drain well.

Step 2

• Combine ¼ cup water, 1 tablespoon oil, and ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl and whisk to blend. Reserve.

Step 3

• Fill a large enameled or well-seasoned cast iron pot about halfway with water and add 1 tablespoon salt.

Step 4

Bring to a boil, add the rice, and boil until the rice is about three-quarters done. The rice shouldn't be crunchy, but it should stick to your teeth when you bite a grain. Start checking after 1 minute, but it may take up to 10 minutes.

Step 5

• Drain the rice in a large colander and cool it off somewhat by gently lifting scoops of rice with a spoon to turn and fluff the grains.

Step 6

• Dry the pot well and coat the bottom and sides generously with oil. Set the pot over medium-high heat and heat until the oil just begins to send out a wisp of smoke. Off the heat, wipe out the pot with a paper towel and coat the bottom and sides with a thin film of fresh oil.

Step 7

• Sprinkle the bottom of the pot with the turmeric and gently spoon the rice into the pot. Lightly press the surface of the rice with the back of a spoon to even out the surface and slightly compress the grains. Drizzle the reserved water-oil mixture evenly over the rice.

Step 8

• Drape the top of the pot with a clean cotton or linen kitchen towel and put the lid on the pot over the towel.

Step 9

Pull the corners of the towel up over the lid and secure with a rubber band.

Step 10

• Set the pot over very low heat and cook, unopened and undisturbed, for 30 minutes. Open the lid and test for the formation of a crust by inserting a knife to the bottom of the pot. If it doesn't feel crusty, replace the towel and lid and continue cooking over very low heat until a good crust forms. Hard to believe, but true:

Step 11

This can take up to another 1½ hours, depending on the heat of your burner and how long you've soaked the rice. Let rest off the heat for at least 20 minutes.

Step 12

• Carefully unmold the rice onto a platter and serve.

Step 13

(Or, if it doesn't unmold easily, simply scoop the rice into a serving bowl with the crispy shards on top.)

2 liked

0 disliked

Crispy

Delicious

Special occasion