Tahchin

About This Recipe

Tahchin is an elegant Persian rice cake that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Saffron-infused rice mixed with yogurt and egg is layered with tender marinated chicken, then baked until the outside becomes a gorgeous golden crust while the inside stays fluffy and aromatic. When flipped onto a platter, the golden dome is a stunning centerpiece for any Persian gathering.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 500 gbasmati rice
• 500 gchicken thighs(boneless)
• 200 gyogurt
• 3 largeegg yolks
• 1 pinchsaffron threads(dissolved in 3 tbsp hot water)
• 80 gbutter
• 1 largeonion(sliced)
• 1 tspturmeric

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the chicken

   Saute onion, add chicken and turmeric. Cook until done. Shred the chicken.

2. 2

   Prepare rice

   Soak rice for 1 hour. Parboil in salted water for 5 minutes. Drain.

3. 3

   Make the mixture

   Mix yogurt, egg yolks, saffron water, and melted butter. Combine two-thirds with the rice.

4. 4

   Layer and bake

   Spread half the rice mixture in a buttered baking dish. Add chicken layer. Top with remaining rice. Press down firmly. Bake at 180C for 60-75 minutes.

5. 5

   Flip and serve

   Let rest 10 minutes. Place a platter over the dish and flip. The golden crust should be on top.

Variations

• •

  Make a barberry (zereshk) version by adding dried barberries to the rice layers.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat covered in the oven.