Saffron Rice with Chicken, Yogurt and Spinach (Tahchin Esfenaj)
Saffron rice with chicken, yogurt and spinach is a classic Persian dish referred to as Tahchin e Esfanaj. It is healthy, gluten free and can be prepared in a rice cooker, on stove or in oven. Elegant, festive and delicious!
Combine chicken, ½ sliced onion, 1 grated garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon Persian mixed spice, ½ teaspoon turmeric in a cooking pot. Add half cup water and cook over medium heat for about one hour until well done.
Alternatively it can be baked for one hour without adding water as the chicken will release its own juices.
Drain any juices from the cooked chicken and set aside.
Combine the cooled chicken, yogurt, one tablespoon saffron water and preferably marinate overnight.
Heat two tbsps of oil in a skillet, sauté remaining sliced onion and grated garlic clove. Add chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon salt and simmer five minutes. Stir and let juices evaporate.
There are two ways to proceed.(1) Using the Persian rice cooker (easier method). (2) Or boiling rice first and then baking it in the oven with remaining ingredients (traditional method).
Wash the rice thoroughly, until there is no starchy water. It may require 4-5 rinses until the water is clear. Drain the rice well.
HOW TO MAKE IN RICE COOKER
Bring two and half cups water to a boil in a rice cooker. Add two tablespoons oil and ¾ teaspoon salt.
Once the water comes to a rolling boil, add the rice. Let it cook just until all the water is absorbed. It is important to not let the rice steam further. Transfer the cooked rice to another container.
Persian rice is often prepared with a rice crust in the bottom. When the rice is flipped, the crust is on the top. A Persian Rice cooker is specially designed to make the crust.
Heat 2 tbsps of butter in Persian rice cooker. Combine 2 to 3 tbsps of chicken marinade, couple scoops of cooked rice, one tablespoon saffron water and egg yolk. Spread this mixture evenly over melted butter.
Layer cooked rice, chicken, prunes, spinach and end with a rice layer. Sprinkle one tablespoon saffron water and lemon juice over rice. Place lid and let it steam for 20 minutes as per the rice cooker instructions.
Alternatively it can be prepared in the oven. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Boil 7 cups of water with 1½ tablespoon salt in a large cooking pot. Add rice and boil at medium high to high heat for 5 to 6 minutes until rice grains are soft. Stir the rice while it is cooking. Drain rice in a colander and set aside.
To make the rice crust, melt 2 tbsps of butter in oven proof dish such as Pyrex baking dish. Combine 2 to 3 tbsps of chicken marinade, couple scoops of cooked rice, one tablespoon saffron water and egg yolk. Spread the mixture evenly over melted butter.
Layer cooked rice, chicken, prunes, spinach and end with a rice layer. Sprinkle one tablespoon saffron water and lemon juice over rice.
Pour two tbsps oil evenly over rice. Cover with a sheet of aluminum foil and seal well. Bake for an hour or more until a golden crust is formed in the bottom.
HOW TO SERVE IT
Transfer the dish onto a wooden surface or place over a moist towel for couple minutes.
Using a spatula gently loosen the edges as you would do for a cake. Place a serving plate over the dish and flip it over as you would do for an upside down cake. Carefully loosen the rice and arrange it.
If you prefer, the crust may be separated, cut and placed around the rice. Garnish with sautéed fresh spinach (see note 7) and roasted sliced almonds. You may serve it with a Persian yogurt dip with shallots.
Notes
The amount of water used for cooking rice is very important for final texture of the dish. And it differs with age of the rice. Basmati rice typically will need less water than other long grain rice varieties.
I use trial and error to determine the right amount of water needed for cooking. It may range from 1¼ to 1¾ cups water per cup of rice.
The amount of moisture in the various ingredients is important for the final texture.
In the first step, rice should be cooked to yield well done fluffy rice, holds its shape well but is not too wet and delicate.
The spinach should be well drained. The chicken should be lightly coated with the marinade. If the marinade is excessive it can result in the rice becoming soggy.
Adjust added fat or salt as needed.
Tip for garnish: Heat one teaspoon of oil and sauté ¼th pound of fresh spinach lightly, and do not overcook. Make sure to retain the color and shape of spinach and let the juices evaporate quickly. Spread it over a plate and set aside or garnish.
You can also prepare this recipe on the stove using a non stick cooking pot.
Persian spice mix (advieh) recipe is on the blog or available on Amazon or Persian grocery stores. A middle eastern or Mediterranean mixed spice blend could be a substitute.
For more tips and serving suggestions check out the blog post above.