Tacheen (From the Book Rosewater and Soda Bread by Marsha Mehran

May 22, 2023May 22, 20230 1
Tacheen: An Iranian-style baked rice dish with savory chicken and spinach layers
in Main

Prep

2 hours

Cook

3 hours

Ready In

5 hours

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

8 cups water
4 cups basmati rice
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 lbs boneless chicken breasts , cut in strips
2 medium onions , chopped
saffron water
7 eggs
2 teaspoons turmeric
1/2 lb Baby Spinach
1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup honey

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8-10
Calories
600
Sugar
24g
Fat
22g
Tacheen is a traditional Iranian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is typically served at special occasions, such as weddings or holidays, due to the time and effort required to make it. Tacheen is similar to baked rice dishes found in other parts of the world, such as paella or biryani, but with a unique Iranian twist. The layers of fragrant rice, savory chicken, and wilted spinach are baked together to create a flavorful and filling main dish. Tacheen is a labor of love that requires patience and attention to detail, but the end result is worth it.

Instructions

1.Rinse the rice in a bowl until the water runs clear, then soak the rice in a separate bowl filled with 8 cups of water for 2 hours.
2.Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a large oven-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and set it aside.
3.In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions and turmeric in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until the onions are caramelized.
4.Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and onions from the skillet and set them aside.
5.In the same skillet over medium heat, wilt the baby spinach until it is cooked down, then remove from heat.
6.In a bowl, beat 5 eggs and mix in the saffron water, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper.
7.Add the rice to the eggs and mix until well combined.
8.Layer the bottom of the prepared dish with half of the rice mixture, then top with the cooked chicken and onions.
9.Add a layer of the cooked spinach on top of the chicken, then add the remaining rice mixture over the spinach.
10.Beat the remaining 2 eggs and pour over the top of the rice mixture. Drizzle honey over the top of the dish and sprinkle with slivered almonds.
11.Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2-3 hours, or until the rice is cooked and the eggs on top are set.
12.Serve hot and enjoy!

PROS

Tacheen is a delicious and filling meal that can serve a large group of people.
It has a unique flavor and texture due to the combination of savory chicken, sweet honey, and crispy almonds.
Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, so there’s less clean up!

CONS

Tacheen can be high in calories due to the amount of rice and oil used in the recipe.
It may not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or lactose-free diets.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Tacheen contains several ingredients that can provide health benefits. Chicken is a good source of protein and spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals. The saffron in the saffron water is high in antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the dish should be enjoyed in moderation as it contains honey, which is high in sugar.

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