Persian Chicken – Tah Cheen Recipe
π Persian Chicken – Tah Cheen is a delightful dish originating from the heart of Persian cuisine, bringing together tender chicken, aromatic basmati rice, and a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Southwest Asia, delivering warmth and comfort perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken |
| 1 | Basmati rice |
| 10 | Plain nonfat yogurt |
| 1/2 | Saffron |
| 2 | Onions |
| 3 | Eggs (yolks) |
| Salt | |
| Black pepper |
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 865.3
- Fat Content: 29.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 259.6mg
- Sodium Content: 183.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 101.6g
- Fiber Content: 5g
- Sugar Content: 10.1g
- Protein Content: 44.8g
Instructions:
Preparation:
- Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in warm water with a pinch of salt for 2 hours, allowing it to absorb moisture for optimal texture. Afterward, drain the rice using a fine mesh sieve.
- Thinly slice the onions and fry them in oil until they achieve a delightful golden hue, releasing their sweet aroma and adding depth to the dish.
- Clean and cut the chicken into manageable pieces, removing the skin to create a leaner dish. SautΓ© the chicken with the onions until it undergoes a beautiful color transformation, infusing the meat with savory flavors.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Introduce water to the chicken and onions, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and allow the ingredients to simmer slowly until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Add more water if necessary to maintain a moist cooking environment. Once done, carefully remove the bones from the chicken, ensuring a seamless dining experience.
Yogurt Mix Preparation:
- While the chicken cooks, whisk the plain nonfat yogurt until it attains a smooth consistency, creating a luscious base for the dish.
- Dissolve the saffron in half a cup of hot water, unlocking its vibrant golden hues and aromatic essence.
- Combine the saffron infusion, salt, black pepper, and egg yolks with the yogurt, blending them meticulously to form a harmonious mixture bursting with flavor.
Cooking the Rice:
- In a large pot, bring several glasses of water to a vigorous boil. Add the soaked rice, allowing it to cook while stirring occasionally until the grains elongate and slightly soften. Exercise caution to prevent overcooking, ensuring the rice remains firm and resilient.
Layering and Assembly:
- Drizzle several spoonfuls of oil and the prepared yogurt mixture into a non-stick pot, creating a sumptuous base for the Tah Cheen.
- Arrange a thin layer of rice at the bottom of the pot, using the back of a spoon to compact it gently. Top the rice layer with the cooked chicken, followed by another layer of rice, repeating the process to create flavorful strata.
- Generously spread additional spoonfuls of the yogurt mixture over the rice, infusing each layer with creamy richness and aromatic saffron undertones.
- Continue layering the ingredients until the chicken, rice, and yogurt mixture are fully utilized, culminating in a delectable fusion of flavors and textures.
- Finish by drizzling a final flourish of oil over the top layer, enriching the dish with a tantalizing crispness and indulgent richness.
Cooking and Serving:
- Cover the pot and allow the Tah Cheen to cook over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Transfer the pot to a preheated oven set to 250Β°F (121Β°C) and allow the dish to bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, ensuring the development of a delectably crispy Tah Digβthe golden crust that forms at the bottom of the pot.
- Once cooked to perfection, remove the lid and allow the Tah Cheen to cool for a few moments, allowing the flavors to settle and meld harmoniously.
- To serve, place a large dish over the pot and carefully invert it, allowing the contents to gracefully release onto the serving platter. Tap the pot gently to ensure the Tah Dig remains intact, showcasing its exquisite golden hue and tantalizing crunch.
Indulge in the rich tapestry of flavors woven into every bite of this Persian Chicken – Tah Cheen, savoring the warmth and comfort it brings to your table. Share this culinary masterpiece with loved ones, creating cherished memories that linger long after the last savory morsel is enjoyed.
