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Persian Rice Side 2

Serves 4 to 6 Side vegetarian, Sides

Persian Rice Side 2

Persian Rice Side 2 captures the essence of everyday Persian dining, emphasizing the warm hospitality found in homes across Iran. This dish, a staple at family meals, relies on instinctive cooking — salt measured by feel and fat used liberally. It's a recipe that isn't just cooked; it's nurtured, embodying the heart of Persian home cooking.

This rice, tender yet slightly firm, carries the richness of butter or oil, embracing each grain with a subtle sheen. The salt, delicately balanced, enhances the rice's natural flavor, creating a comforting, satisfying side. Simply served, it complements a variety of main dishes, providing a canvas for the vibrant, aromatic flavors of Persian cuisine.

Ingredients

  • 400 grice
  • 50 gbutter or oil
  • 600 mlwater
  • 1 tspfine sea salt

Method

  1. Rinse 400 g of rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This will help achieve the fluffy texture that is characteristic of Persian rice.
  2. Peel and finely chop one medium onion to ensure even cooking. The uniform size will allow the onion to soften evenly without burning.
  3. In a large non-stick pot, melt 50 g of butter or heat an equivalent amount of oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted or the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
  4. Add the rinsed rice to the pot with the softened onion. Stir gently to coat the rice grains with the butter or oil, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
  5. Pour 600 ml of water into the pot and add 1 tsp of fine sea salt. Stir to combine, ensuring the salt is evenly distributed throughout the rice.
  6. Increase the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water, which you can check by gently parting the rice with a fork to see the bottom of the pot.
  7. Once the rice is cooked and tender, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish cooking in its own steam, ensuring a fluffy texture.
  8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve the rice warm as a side dish, perfect for sharing at the table.
Cover of Authentic Persian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Persian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Persian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Persian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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