Illustrative image
The finished dish may look different depending on the ingredients and preparation.
AdvancedMain coursesmeatCC0 1.0 Universal
Persian Tahchin Morgh (Crispy Saffron Rice and Spiced Chicken Cake with Barberries)
The regal jewel of Persian culinary artistry: a savory baked rice cake of basmati steeped in saffron, thick yogurt, and egg yolks, sandwiching tender spiced chicken, baked to a crackling golden crust (tahdig) and crowned with ruby barberries.
Prep
30 min
Cook
75 min
Total
105 min
Oven
190Ā°C (170Ā°C vent.)
Ingredients
servings
6
- Aged long-grain basmati rice, soaked 1 hour400 g
- Boneless chicken breast, poached and shredded450 g
- Persian saffron ground and steeped in 4 tbsp hot water1 pinch
- Full-fat Greek or strained yogurt250 g
- Fresh egg yolks3 pc
- Unsalted butter, melted70 g
- Dried barberries (zereshk) sautƩed with sugar50 g
- Salt1 tbsp
Preparation Steps
1
Parboil soaked basmati rice in plenty of salted boiling water for 6-7 minutes until soft on the outside but still firm at the core. Drain immediately.
7 min timer
2
In a large bowl, whisk together thick yogurt, egg yolks, golden saffron water, half the melted butter, and 1 tsp salt. Gently fold in three-quarters of the parboiled rice.
5 min timer
3
Generously oil a non-stick baking dish. Press half the saffron rice firmly into the bottom. Layer shredded chicken and some barberries, top with remaining rice, press flat, and drizzle with remaining butter. Seal tightly with foil and bake at 190Ā°C (375Ā°F) for 70-75 minutes until a deep golden crispy crust forms. Invert onto a serving platter and garnish with barberries and pistachios.
75 min timer
Cooking Journal
You havenāt tried this recipe yet
Nutrition Facts
per servingCalories
490
Protein
29g
Carbohydrates
56g
Fat
16g
Allergens
MilkEggs
*estimated values per serving
Provenance & Public Domain Audit
Source: Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Culinary Archives / USDA Public Domain Collection (United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) & Levantine Culinary Heritage)
Legal status: Public Domain (17 U.S.C. Ā§ 105) ā¢ 17 U.S.C. Ā§ 105
License: Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal
