6 Comments

I will definitely try this recipe. I've never had it with turmeric. I was first introduced to tahdiq by a Persian male and his mother and I cook it every now and then with kabob. I was taught to use basmati rice and saffron, instead of turmeric. You lightly crush the saffron in a mortar and pestal with a tiny amount of sugar, and then add it to some warm water. I substituted butter instead of oil since I found the oil to be too much. You add about 1/2 - 3/4 of the saffron mix to the rice for the tahdiq, and then mix the rest into the rest of the rice as you add it back into the pan to steam. I cheat and use paper towels instead of a real towel. I also learned to add some additional butter to the rice on your plate. I love how recipes move around the world and each culture customizes them.

Expand full comment

I'm currently on an M&Ms kick. We've enjoyed Peanut M&Ms, Dark Chocolate M&Ms, and Almond M&Ms. My girlfriend said, "No more!" Although, we still have a half bag (bigger one) left. I snuck out to the store and bought 3 more larger bags of the Dark Chocolate ones today, and they are not really hiding in the pantry. She is baking some kind of Oatmeal cookies tonight. She will probably like this recipe. P.S. she baked the Pumpkin Apple Cake and though I don't EVER care to eat pumpkin, it was quite good. I lie not. So, if anyone has hesitated in making this cake, it's been tastefully tested and passed. Fear not, though she may never make it again as she complained about how much trouble it was to make. I have recipes like that, too. Rum Raisin Apple Pie is one of them, but the payoff is fabulous. Carry on.

Expand full comment

Sorry I missed replying to this! I had Covid then and sort of fell into a bit of a hole! Have you had the caramel M and Ms??? although my allegiance is to the peanut m and m, the caramel ones deserve love too.

As for the cake, I am more than pleased that the pumpkin apple cake went some way towards convincing you that pumpkin can be delicious.

Expand full comment

Dahlia Lithwick?! The SCOTUS maven par excellence! She educates me with every word she speaks. I am making this and soon. Thank you, Marissa. Give my love to Dahlia, please!

Expand full comment

I had a group of Iranian friends who used to make this years ago. When they turned the pot over and placed this castle of rice, all golden and crunchy, onto a platter in the middle of the table, they smiled, and as soon as I tasted, I could see why. It was wonderful. Thanks for this recipe - I can't wait to make it.

Expand full comment

"this castle of rice." what a perfect (and beautiful) way to describe it.

I am a tahdig convert, thanks to Dahlia. It is delicious comfort. Let me know how it goes when you make it!

Expand full comment