Ingredients

1 whole chicken
1 lb basmati rice
10 ounces plain nonfat yogurt
1/2 teaspoon saffron
2 large onions
3 egg yolks
cooking oil
salt ( to taste )
black pepper ( to taste )
Persian cuisine is world-renowned for its unique flavor that comes from a blend of rich spices and herbs. Tahcheen, also known as Persian chicken and rice, is one such classic dish that has been passed down through generations in Iranian households. It is a cuisine that is born of tradition and regional diversity, which makes it unique. This luscious dish of fragrant and spiced rice with a tangy yogurt sauce and chicken is a perfect example of its signature flavors. The combination of fluffy saffron rice with juicy pieces of chicken and crunchy layers of caramelized onion makes this dish an unbelievable feast that is worth every effort put into it.

Instructions

1.Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 2 hours.
2.Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the chicken, 1 whole onion, salt and black pepper. Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool.
3.Once the chicken cools down, remove the skin and separate the meat from the bones. Cut the meat into small bite size pieces.
4.Pour 1/4 cup of cooking oil into a separate pot and sauté the other chopped onion until it becomes golden brown.
5.Add 1/4 teaspoon of saffron to 1/4 cup of hot water and let it steep for 10 minutes.
6.Mix the egg yolks and the yogurt together in a mixing bowl
7.Place a layer of the rice in the pot, followed by a layer of chicken, a layer of the sautéed onion and a layer of the egg-yogurt mixture.
8.Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up. Finish with a layer of rice on top
9.Pour the saffron and water mixture over the top of the rice mixture, cover the pot and let it cook on medium heat for approximately 1 hour or until the bottom forms a crispy golden-brown crust.
10.Remove the pot from the stove and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. To serve, cut the crust with a spatula and serve the crusty slices of Tahcheen alongside the chicken and the remaining sautéed onions.

PROS

Persian Chicken – Tah Cheen dish is a flavorful and wholesome meal that can satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.

The dish is high in protein due to the chicken and yogurt content and low in fat since the cooking method requires minimal usage of oil.

Moreover, it makes a delightful dish that can be served to guests as the crispy golden crust is an impressive feature that delights everyone!

CONS

Cooking tah cheen can be slightly time-consuming and requires multiple steps that may require the assistance of another person.

Therefore, it may not be an ideal dish for a quick weeknight dinner.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The dish provides plenty of protein due to the chicken and yogurt, which play a vital role in building and repairing tissues. Moreover, it contains saffron, which is a spice known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help boosts immunity.

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