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Wheat Flour Halva

Wheat Flour Halva

Prep
10 min
Cook
16 min
Total
46 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Bring water and sugar to a boil in a small pot, stirring until sugar dissolves into a syrup. Stir rose water, cardamom, and saffron into the syrup. Reduce heat to low; cover to keep syrup hot.
  2. 2 Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour until mixture is a smooth paste, about 1 minute. Cook, stirring constantly, until paste turns brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. 3 Remove flour mixture from heat. Whisk in hot syrup gradually until syrup is completely absorbed and mixture is the consistency of a smooth, soft paste, at least 4 minutes.
  4. 4 Spread mixture in a shallow bowl. Cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.

By Soheila

Rose Ice Cream

Rose Ice Cream

4.9

Prep
5 min
Cook
Total
140 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Add the saffron to the warm milk and set aside for 15 minutes.
  2. 2 Combine the softened ice cream, saffron with milk, rose syrup, cardamom, and pistachios in a large bowl. Stir until the ice cream is smooth and pink in color. Scoop the ice cream back into the container and freeze 2 hours, or until ready to eat.

By BigSrisFood

Rice Pudding with Saffron and Cardamom

Rice Pudding with Saffron and Cardamom

3.0

Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
75 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Combine water, rice flour, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  2. 2 Mix milk, rose water. saffron, and cardamom together in a bowl; add to rice mixture. Bring to a boil and stir until there are no clumps, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3 Carefully ladle hot mixture into 6 cups; garnish each with 3 pistachios. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

By moza

Halva (Iranian Dessert)

Halva (Iranian Dessert)

Prep
10 min
Cook
16 min
Total
26 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden and thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool briefly.
  2. 2 Combine water and sugar in a separate saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil. Stir in rose water and saffron. Add the flour mixture. Cook and stir until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes at most. Serve halva with crushed pistachios and almonds sprinkled on top.

By Noahsmommy

Easy Malai Kulfi

Easy Malai Kulfi

4.8

Prep
5 min
Cook
20 min
Total
85 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Stir the milk, condensed milk, and dry milk powder together in a heavy-bottomed pan and bring to a boil. Add the sugar, cardamom, and saffron to the boiling milk; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature; fold the pistachio nuts into the mixture.
  2. 2 Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze until solid, about 1 hour

By SUSMITA

Gajar Ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa)

Gajar Ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa)

5.0

Prep
10 min
Cook
90 min
Total
100 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat ghee in a large saucepan over medium heat and add carrots. Cook and stir briefly, about 3 minutes. Pour in milk and increase heat; bring to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, and stirring occasionally until moisture evaporates, about 1 hour.
  2. 2 Bring carrot mixture back to a boil; add sugar, raisins, cardamom, and saffron. Cook and stir until mixture has thickened, about 10 minutes.
  3. 3 Ladle carrot halwa into 8 individual serving dishes. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon pistachios. Serve warm or chill before serving.

By Allrecipes Member

Ras Malai

Ras Malai

4.5

Prep
20 min
Cook
35 min
Total
85 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. 2 Blend the ricotta cheese and 1/4 cup sugar together in a bowl with a hand mixer; divide the mixture between 12 muffin cups.
  3. 3 Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack. Arrange the cheese balls onto a dessert platter.
  4. 4 While the cheese bakes, pour the half and half into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat; simmer 10 minutes. Stir 1 cup sugar, the cardamom, rose water, and saffron into the half and half and simmer another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Drizzle the cooled mixture over the cheese balls. Sprinkle the almonds and pistachios over the cheese balls to serve.

By lucky

Gulab Jamun or Kala Jam (Waffle Balls)

Gulab Jamun or Kala Jam (Waffle Balls)

5.0

Prep
10 min
Cook
17 min
Total
77 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Combine water, sugar, cardamom, rose water, and saffron in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until consistency is syrupy, 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. 2 Mix milk powder, flour, and baking soda in a bowl until well-combined. Slowly mix in butter and yogurt until dough comes together. Let gulab dough rest for 5 minutes. Shape into smooth balls the size of pennies.
  3. 3 Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Test the temperature of the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough. When it sits at the bottom of the pan for 1 minute before coming to the surface, the oil is ready.
  4. 4 Fry 4 gulab balls at a time, stirring carefully, until dark golden brown on all sides, about 2 minutes. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate. Repeat with remaining gulab.
  5. 5 Bring syrup back up to a boil and drop in fried gulab. Remove from heat and let them soak in the syrup, covered, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

By Kristin Rhea Hernbrode

Shahi Tukra (Indian Bread Pudding)

Shahi Tukra (Indian Bread Pudding)

4.5

Prep
10 min
Cook
45 min
Total
175 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Fry the bread slices in the hot oil until deep, golden brown; drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Fry the cashews, almonds, and pistachio nuts in the hot oil until golden brown; remove from oil and set aside to cool. Chop roughly.
  2. 2 Bring the milk to a gentle boil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat; continue boiling until the volume of milk reduces by about half. Pour the evaporated milk into the pan and add the sugar, cardamom, and saffron; simmer together 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  3. 3 Arrange the fried bread pieces in a shallow dish large enough to allow them to be laid in a single layer. Evenly pour the milk mixture over the bread. Scatter the chopped nuts over the bread. Chill in refrigerator until completely cold, 1 to 2 hours.

By SUSMITA

Banana Malpua (Fried Indian Pancake for Diwali)

Banana Malpua (Fried Indian Pancake for Diwali)

Prep
10 min
Cook
45 min
Total
85 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Remove from heat and keep warm.
  2. 2 Bring 1 1/2 cups sugar and water to a boil in another saucepan. Add cardamom and saffron. Boil until syrup is thick and sticky, 4 to 7 minutes. Pour syrup into a bowl and place it over warm water to keep warm.
  3. 3 Blend warmed milk, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, bananas, flour, semolina, condensed milk, fennel, salt, and baking soda in a food processor until smooth, not be too thick or too runny. Cover and let rest, at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
  4. 4 Heat oil and ghee in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low. Drop 1 large spoonful of batter into the center to make a 2-inch pancake. Cook until edges turn golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip and fry until both sides are golden, 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove with a slotted spoon and let cool. Repeat with remaining batter.
  5. 5 Dunk cooled pancakes into the syrup, one by one. Garnish with almonds and raisins.

By Baisali Chef

Kulich (Russian Easter Cake)

Kulich (Russian Easter Cake)

4.5

Prep
60 min
Cook
45 min
Total
825 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Make the kulich: Place raisins into a bowl, drizzle with vodka, and let soften, 8 hours to overnight.
  2. 2 Heat milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat until very warm but not simmering. Stir in cardamom and saffron threads. Remove from the heat and let stand until lukewarm.
  3. 3 Meanwhile, mix 1 teaspoon sugar into lukewarm water in a bowl until sugar dissolves. Stir in yeast and let stand until frothy, about 10 minutes.
  4. 4 Transfer yeast mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add milk mixture, 1 cup flour, and 1/2 cup sugar; beat until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
  5. 5 Zest lemon onto waxed paper. Juice lemon into another small bowl and reserve for the frosting. Separate egg whites and yolks, reserving 1 egg white for the frosting.
  6. 6 Mix remaining 1/2 cup sugar, melted butter, honey, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt together in a bowl. Pour into the risen dough and beat until combined. Beat in 3 egg yolks and 2 egg whites.
  7. 7 Mix in 2 1/2 cups flour. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup flour onto a work surface and knead dough until it holds together, about 5 minutes. Knead soaked raisins and sliced almonds into dough until well distributed.
  8. 8 Form dough into a ball and place into an oiled bowl; turn in the bowl several times until coated with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours.
  9. 9 Coat the insides of four clean 14-ounce cans with remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Line cans with parchment paper.
  10. 10 Punch down dough, knead a few times, then divide into four equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a ball, place into a can, and press dough lightly against the inside bottom of the can. Cover the cans with a cloth and let dough rise to the top of the cans, about 45 minutes.
  11. 11 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  12. 12 Place a baking sheet into the preheated oven. Place the cans of dough upright onto the baking sheet and bake until kulich are risen and lightly browned, 45 to 50 minutes.
  13. 13 Remove from the oven and let cool in the cans for about 15 minutes, then gently remove from the cans and finish cooling on a wire rack, 25 to 40 minutes.
  14. 14 Make the frosting: Beat reserved egg white in a bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Beat in confectioners' sugar until stiff peaks form. Beat in 1 teaspoon reserved lemon juice; save remaining lemon juice for another use.
  15. 15 Frost tops of the cooled kulich and sprinkle with toasted almonds.

By babylee

Dukkah-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Lemon-Saffron Aioli

Dukkah-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Lemon-Saffron Aioli

Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Total
35 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 2 Combine mayonnaise, lemon peel, garlic, lemon brine, cayenne pepper, and saffron in a mini food processor; blend until smooth, scraping down sides once or twice. Refrigerate aioli until ready to use.
  3. 3 Place egg whites into a dish or bowl. Place dukkah into a second dish. Dip chicken tenders first into egg whites, letting excess drip off, then coat with dukkah. Place tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. 4 Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, turning over halfway through, 12 to 15 minutes total. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

By France Cevallos

Persian Saffron Chicken

Persian Saffron Chicken

4.6

Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
60 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place saffron threads into a small bowl and crush them up a bit with a spoon. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of hot water and stir. Let bloom for about 10 minutes - the water should turn bright yellow/orange. Set aside.
  2. 2 Season chicken thighs on both sides with about 1 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper.
  3. 3 Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear on both sides until golden, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and place on a plate to the side. Add onion to the same skillet and cook until soft and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. 4 Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add saffron mixture. Season with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir to combine. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, flipping thighs halfway through cook time. Season to taste and serve with the sauce.

By Sumac and Salsa

Classic Rice Pilaf

Classic Rice Pilaf

4.8

Prep
15 min
Cook
45 min
Total
70 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. 2 Melt butter and oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until lightly browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  3. 3 Place rice into a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Add onion and stir until rice is thoroughly coated. Place the dish on a baking sheet.
  4. 4 Combine chicken stock, salt, cayenne pepper, and saffron in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. 5 Pour stock mixture over rice in the baking dish and stir to combine. Spread mixture evenly along the bottom of the pan and cover tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  6. 6 Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and fluff rice with a fork.

By John Mitzewich

Jujeh Kabob (Persian Chicken Kabobs)

Jujeh Kabob (Persian Chicken Kabobs)

4.8

Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Total
385 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Combine onion, lime juice, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and saffron in a large glass bowl. Mix in olive oil. Press chicken into the bowl lightly and cover with plastic wrap. Let marinate for 6 hours to overnight, mixing every few hours to make sure chicken is coated.
  2. 2 Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
  3. 3 Remove chicken from the bowl, shake off excess marinade, and discard marinade left in the bowl. Place chicken onto metal skewers, making sure it's not too tightly packed.
  4. 4 Cook skewers on the preheated grill until chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center, turning as needed, 10 to 15 minutes total.

By Reza Michael

Mahi Sorkh Shodeh (Persian Fried Fish)

Mahi Sorkh Shodeh (Persian Fried Fish)

5.0

Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Total
35 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Crush saffron threads to a powder with a small mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in boiling water. Cover and set aside.
  2. 2 Mix flour, salt, turmeric, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder together on a large plate and spread in an even layer.
  3. 3 Dry fish well with paper towels. Cut into 3-inch-long pieces and season with salt. Dredge fish in flour mixture until all sides are coated.
  4. 4 Heat oil in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat. Add fish and fry on one side until nice and golden, about 7 minutes. Flip fish, drizzle saffron water over top, and fry the other side until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork, about 5 more minutes.
  5. 5 Transfer fish to a serving platter. Drizzle orange juice over top and serve with orange and lime wedges.

By Naz Deravian

Apricot Almond Pilaf

Apricot Almond Pilaf

4.7

Prep
15 min
Cook
45 min
Total
60 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and carrot; cook and stir until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in basmati rice and salt; cook and stir until rice is slightly opaque, about 3 minutes.
  2. 2 Stir in water until combined. Stir in apricots, almonds, rose water, and saffron; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 10 minutes. Stir before serving.

By JOHNTHEBEAR

Kabab Barg

Kabab Barg

4.8

Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Total
505 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Combine olive oil, lime juice, onions, garlic, saffron, salt, and pepper in a large, zip top food storage bag. Place lamb pieces in bag; seal and shake to combine. Marinate lamb, refrigerated, overnight or up to 24 hours.
  2. 2 Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
  3. 3 Thread marinated lamb on long, thin metal skewers. Thread whole tomatoes on another skewer. Brush lamb and tomatoes with marinade; discard remaining marinade.
  4. 4 Grill kebabs, until lamb is cooked to your liking and tomatoes are hot and grill marked, about 5 minutes on each side. Sprinkle with sumac, if desired, before serving.

By Noahsmommy

Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf with Pomegranate

Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf with Pomegranate

5.0

Prep
10 min
Cook
35 min
Total
45 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add rice and toast until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in hot vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add saffron and allspice; reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.
  2. 2 Meanwhile, toast pistachios in a skillet over medium heat until nuts start to turn golden brown and become fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes. Set aside.
  3. 3 Stir butter into cooked rice. Remove from the heat and mix in pistachios and pomegranate seeds. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper.

By Afiyet_olson

Khoresht Fesenjaan (Chicken with Pomegranate Sauce)

Khoresht Fesenjaan (Chicken with Pomegranate Sauce)

3.8

Prep
20 min
Cook
210 min
Total
230 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir in sliced onions; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking and stirring until the onion is very tender and dark brown, 15 to 20 minutes more.
  2. 2 Raise heat to medium-high. Add chicken pieces, and fry until lightly browned on the outside. Pour in the water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, adding more water if necessary to keep the mixture from drying out.
  3. 3 Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (65 degrees C).
  4. 4 Combine the walnuts and pomegranate juice in the container of a blender or food processor. Process into liquid. (This can be done in small batches if necessary.) Add walnut-pomegranate mixture to the simmering chicken. Season with cardamom, cinnamon, saffron powder, and salt. Stir in the cubed squash. Transfer the entire mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  5. 5 Bake, loosely covered, for 2 1/2 hours in the preheated oven. Serve with white rice.

By PFEIFFER

Persian Rice

Persian Rice

4.7

Prep
15 min
Cook
55 min
Total
70 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place water and kosher salt in a pot; bring to a boil. Add rice; cook and stir for exactly 7 minutes. Drain.
  2. 2 Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Cover bottom of the pot with 1 layer of potato slices. Sprinkle cumin and salt over potatoes. Cook until potatoes are sizzling, 2 to 3 minutes; top potatoes with rice to form an even layer. Reduce heat to low and place butter slices over rice.
  3. 3 Top the pot with a layer of clean paper towels, then place the lid over the towels. Steam until rice is fluffy, about 45 minutes.
  4. 4 Grind saffron threads with a mortar and pestle. Mix crushed saffron with 1 ½ tablespoons hot water in a large bowl. Add a couple of spoonfuls of rice to saffron mixture and stir until rice is yellow.
  5. 5 Spoon remaining rice into a serving bowl. Top with saffron rice and line the edges of the bowl with potatoes. Garnish with parsley.

By John Mitzewich

Reshteh Polo (Persian Noodle Rice)

Reshteh Polo (Persian Noodle Rice)

5.0

Prep
35 min
Cook
130 min
Total
165 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place rice in a medium bowl and cover with tepid water. Gently swish it around with your finger to activate the starches, then tip the bowl to drain water. Repeat this process until water runs clear, about 7 rinses. Cover rice with cold water, add 1/2 tablespoon salt, stir gently, and soak for 1 hour. Drain rice without rinsing.
  2. 2 Crush saffron threads to a powder in a small mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl with 2 tablespoons boiling water. Stir, cover, and set saffron water aside.
  3. 3 Fill a 5-quart nonstick pot with 9 cups water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons salt and stir until dissolved. Break roasted noodles into thirds and add to boiling water with rice. Stir once gently, and watch carefully as it cooks so water does not boil over. Taste water for salt and adjust accordingly. Cook until first rice grain pops up to the surface. Set a timer for 4 minutes and cook, scooping off any foam from the surface until the timer goes off. Test rice and continue to cook until tender on the outside but still firm to the bite on the inside, 6 to 8 minutes more.
  4. 4 Drain rice and noodles in a colander and rinse quickly with lukewarm water and a spray faucet to rinse off extra starch. Taste and gently rinse again if too salty. Set aside to drain completely. Wash and dry the pot.
  5. 5 Place the clean pot over medium heat. Add oil, 1 tablespoon saffron water, and a pinch of salt; swirl the pot until the bottom and lower sides are coated with the oil mixture. Tightly overlap potato slices in a single layer covering the bottom of the pot to create the tahdig layer.
  6. 6 Gently scatter rice-noodle mixture over the tahdig in a pyramid shape, making sure potatoes are completely covered and moving noodles away from the sides of the pot. Gently poke the handle of a wooden spoon into rice and noodles a few times, being careful not to hit tahdig; this will allow steam to escape while cooking. Cover and cook until you see steam escaping from the sides of the lid and tahdig starts to set, about 10 minutes.
  7. 7 Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup boiling water with 2 tablespoons melted butter and remaining saffron water. Lay a kitchen towel out on a heatproof surface.
  8. 8 Test tahdig by quickly tapping the side of the pot with a wooden spoon. When the pot sizzles, remove it from the heat. Remove the lid and place it on the kitchen towel, being careful that none of the condensation drips into the pot. Wrap the towel around the lid and secure the ends at the top by the handle so they will not hang near the heat source. Drizzle butter mixture over rice and cover with the towel-wrapped lid.
  9. 9 Place a heat diffuser on a burner over low or medium-low heat and return the pot to the stove. Cook until crispy, rotating the pot a few times, about 35 minutes. Remove from the heat and place on a damp kitchen towel; let sit, uncovered, for 5 minutes so tahdig will release easily.
  10. 10 Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add dates, raisins, and cinnamon; sprinkle with a little salt. Cook and stir until dates are glistening and soft, 3 to 5 minutes.
  11. 11 Gently scatter rice on a platter and remove potato tahdig pieces and serve on the side. Sprinkle raisin-date sauce over top.

By Naz Deravian

Adas Polo (Persian Rice and Lentils)

Adas Polo (Persian Rice and Lentils)

4.7

Prep
20 min
Cook
75 min
Total
275 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place rice in a bowl, and cover with water. Soak rice for about 3 hours, and drain off water. Bring rice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 4 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is partially cooked, about 10 minutes. Drain liquid from rice, and set rice aside.
  2. 2 Bring 2 more cups of water and a pinch of salt to a boil in a saucepan, and stir in lentils. Bring to a boil, and cook over medium heat until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. 3 Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and fry onions, frequently stirring, until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Set onions aside. Dissolve saffron in 1/3 cup of hot water, and set aside.
  4. 4 In a large nonstick pot with deep sides, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until shimmering, and spoon in half of rice to cover the bottom of the pot. Top rice with lentils, and cover lentils with remaining rice. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook until rice is completely tender and there is a golden brown, crusty layer of rice on the bottom of the pot, about 20 minutes. Pour saffron water over rice and lentils, cover, and allow to cook until absorbed, about 10 more minutes.
  5. 5 To serve, spoon polo into a serving dish, and peel off and place pieces of crusty rice layer on top of polo. Decorate polo with dates, raisins, and fried onions.

By xxxx

Sabzi Polo (Green Herb Rice)

Sabzi Polo (Green Herb Rice)

5.0

Prep
35 min
Cook
80 min
Total
180 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place rice in a medium bowl and cover with lukewarm water. Gently swish rice around with your finger to activate starches, then tip the bowl to drain water. Repeat this process until water runs clear, about 7 rinses. Cover rice with cold water, add 1 tablespoon salt, stir gently, and soak for 1 hour. Drain rice without rinsing.
  2. 2 Crush saffron threads to a powder in a small mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl with 2 tablespoons boiling water. Stir, cover, and set saffron water aside.
  3. 3 Fill a 5-quart nonstick pot with 12 cups water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 4 tablespoons salt and stir until dissolved. Add rice, stir once gently, and watch carefully as it cooks so water does not boil over. Taste for salt and add more if needed. Cook rice until the first piece pops up to the surface. Set a timer for 4 minutes and cook, scooping off any foam from the surface, until the timer goes off. Test rice and continue to cook until tender on the outside but still firm to the bite on the inside, 6 to 8 minutes more.
  4. 4 Drain rice in a colander and rinse quickly with lukewarm water and a spray faucet to rinse off extra starch. Taste rice and gently rinse again if too salty. Set aside to drain completely. Wash and dry the pot.
  5. 5 Combine parsley, cilantro, fresh dill, chives, and dried dill in a large bowl. Gently stir in rice, taking care not to break grains.
  6. 6 Place the clean pot over medium heat. Add oil, 1 tablespoon saffron water, and a pinch of salt; swirl the pot until the bottom and lower sides are coated with oil mixture. Trim or tear lavash bread and cover the bottom of the pot to create the tahdig layer.
  7. 7 Gently scatter rice-herb mixture over the tahdig in a pyramid shape, making sure lavash is completely covered. Place garlic stalks on top at the outer edges of rice. Gently poke the handle of a wooden spoon into rice a few times, being careful not to hit the tahdig; this will allow steam to escape while cooking. Cover and cook until you see steam escaping from the sides of the lid and the tahdig starts to set, 10 to 13 minutes.
  8. 8 Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup boiling water, melted butter, and remaining saffron water in a small bowl. Lay a kitchen towel out on a heatproof surface.
  9. 9 Test the tahdig by quickly tapping the side of the pot with a wooden spoon. When it sizzles, remove the pot from heat. Remove the lid and place it on the kitchen towel, being careful that none of the condensation drips into the pot. Wrap the towel around the lid and secure the ends at the top by the handle so they will not hang near the heat source. Drizzle butter mixture over rice and cover with the towel-wrapped lid.
  10. 10 Place a heat diffuser on a burner over low or medium-low heat and return the pot to the stove. Cook until crispy, rotating the pot a few times, about 45 minutes. Remove from heat and place on a damp kitchen towel; let sit, uncovered, for 5 minutes so the tahdig will release easily.
  11. 11 Serve rice on a platter, garnish with garlic stalks, and remove the tahdig whole or in pieces and serve on the side. Or, invert carefully but quickly (like a cake) onto a serving platter.

By Naz Deravian

Kalam Polo (Persian Cabbage and Rice)

Kalam Polo (Persian Cabbage and Rice)

3.7

Prep
15 min
Cook
70 min
Total
115 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Pour boiling water over ground saffron; let sit for 30 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup for rice; save remaining brewed saffron for another use.
  2. 2 Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté onion until light brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and turmeric. Cook and stir until beef is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Cover the pan and cook over low heat for 15 minutes.
  3. 3 Heat remaining oil in another pan over medium heat. Sauté cabbage until tender, about 5 minutes. Add cinnamon and ginger. Stir mixture into ground beef mixture and continue to cook over low heat, covered, for 5 minutes, adding 1 tablespoon of water if the mixture is dry.
  4. 4 Rinse and drain rice; transfer to a pot. Add cold water, butter, and remaining salt. Bring mixture to a boil, uncovered. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until rice is half-cooked and water has evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  5. 5 Add beef mixture to the rice and slowly mix to incorporate. Turn the heat to low. Add hot water and reserved 1/4 cup brewed saffron to the rice, cover the pot, and let cook until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.

By Soheila

Shakshooka

Shakshooka

4.1

Prep
30 min
Cook
25 min
Total
55 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, onion, and jalapeno; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the bell pepper and tomatoes.
  2. 2 Cook the vegetables until the tomatoes have broken down and released their juices, about 10 minutes. Stir in the sweet paprika, hot paprika, salt, and pepper and let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and water and mix well.
  3. 3 When the vegetables have a sauce-like consistency, add the saffron and parsley. Crack the eggs on top of the sauce (as though you're making sunnyside-up eggs); cover the pan and let the eggs cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until the yolks reach your desired consistency.

By Hanna R

Kookoo Sabzi (Fresh Herb Frittata)

Kookoo Sabzi (Fresh Herb Frittata)

5.0

Prep
30 min
Cook
25 min
Total
65 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Soak barberries in water to cover for 10 minutes. Drain.
  2. 2 Pulse Swiss chard, parsley, cilantro, and dill together in a food processor, working in batches, until finely chopped but not mushy. Place into a large bowl with barberries, walnuts, garlic, salt, fenugreek, tarragon, turmeric, cinnamon, saffron, rose petals, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Add 6 eggs and mix well to combine; the batter should have the consistency of thick yogurt or soft serve ice cream. If it doesn't, add more eggs, 1 at a time, and mix to combine.
  3. 3 Heat 1/3 cup olive oil in a large (10- or 12-inch) nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add batter and spread evenly. Cover with a lid and cook kookoo until oil starts to bubble along the sides, about 3 minutes. Cover and cook until it starts to set and the bottom is browned, 12 to 15 minutes.
  4. 4 Cut the kookoo evenly into 4 large pieces and use a wide spatula to flip each piece over, 1 at a time. Drizzle 2 tablespoons oil in between the cuts, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, uncovered, until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Cut into desired pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.

By Naz Deravian

Flavorful Persian Braised Lamb Shanks

Flavorful Persian Braised Lamb Shanks

4.5

Prep
20 min
Cook
210 min
Total
300 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil over lamb shanks and cover with salt.
  2. 2 Mix turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, cumin, and nutmeg together in a small bowl. Sprinkle over lamb shanks. Let lamb shanks marinate for 1 hour at room temperature.
  3. 3 Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot. Cook and stir onion until browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
  4. 4 Whisk hot water, lime juice, rose water, and saffron together in a small bowl. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes.
  5. 5 Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook lamb shanks in batches until browned, 5 to 8 minutes per batch. Transfer lamb shanks to a plate.
  6. 6 Whisk wine into the pot, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Add onion and garlic mixture, steeped saffron mixture, parsley, thyme, lime zest, and bay leaves. Return lamb shanks to the pot. Cover with chicken broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until lamb shanks are tender, about 2 1/2 hours.
  7. 7 Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
  8. 8 Uncover pot and simmer until broth reduces slightly, about 20 minutes. Transfer lamb shanks to an oven-safe dish.
  9. 9 Place lamb shanks in the preheated oven to keep warm.
  10. 10 Bring broth to a boil; simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Spoon broth over lamb shanks.

By Andraya Winters

Al Kabsa (Traditional Saudi Rice and Chicken)

Al Kabsa (Traditional Saudi Rice and Chicken)

4.6

Prep
40 min
Cook
90 min
Total
130 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Make spice mix: Stir together saffron, cinnamon, allspice, lime powder, cardamom, and white pepper in a small bowl; set aside.
  2. 2 Make dish: Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and garlic in butter until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add chicken and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Mix in tomato purée.
  3. 3 Stir in canned tomatoes with juice, carrots, cloves, nutmeg, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and reserved spice mix. Cook for about 3 minutes; pour in water and add chicken bouillon cube.
  4. 4 Bring sauce to a boil, then reduce heat, and cover the pot. Simmer until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 30 minutes.
  5. 5 Gently stir in rice. Cover the pot and simmer until rice is tender and almost dry, about 25 minutes; add raisins and a little more hot water, if necessary. Cover and cook until rice grains separate, 5 to 10 minutes.
  6. 6 Transfer rice to a large serving platter and arrange chicken on top. Sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds.

By EmiratiWife2010

Chicken Rice-A-Roni

Chicken Rice-A-Roni

4.9

Prep
35 min
Cook
120 min
Total
180 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place chicken, celery, carrot, onion, and bay leaf in a stockpot and cover with water. Set over high heat, add salt, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the thighs and legs can be pulled easily from the carcass, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove chicken to a bowl, carefully tipping the carcass to drain any broth from the cavity back into the stockpot.
  2. 2 Let meat sit until it's cool enough to handle, 15 to 20 minutes. Separate skin, bones, and meat. Set aside 2 cups shredded meat (white, dark, or a combination of the two) for rice-a-roni and reserve the rest for another use.
  3. 3 Transfer skin and bones back to the stockpot with the broth and simmer for 1 to 2 hours or until you need it. Strain.
  4. 4 Combine oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot and melted, add onion, bell pepper, and salt. Cook and stir until onion just starts to turn translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add broken spaghetti and cook until toasted and light golden brown to dark brown in color, about 3 minutes; it's okay if the onions and peppers start to caramelize.
  5. 5 Add rice and stir until completely coated. Add pepper, oregano, cumin, and saffron. Stir in 3 ½ cups chicken broth. Add cayenne, garbanzo beans, peas, and shredded chicken and return to a simmer.
  6. 6 Cover tightly with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 15 minutes; do not lift the lid or stir during this time.
  7. 7 Remove the lid and check the rice in a couple spots. It should be just barely tender. (If it seems undercooked, you can cover and cook for a few more minutes.) Replace the lid, turn off the heat, and let rice sit for 10 minutes.
  8. 8 Sprinkle parsley and cilantro over top and stir to combine. Check for seasoning and serve immediately.

By John Mitzewich