**Unveiling Persian Layered Chicken and Rice with Yogurt (Tachin Joojeh): A Culinary Journey to Iran**
Embark on a culinary expedition to Iran and discover the tantalizing flavors of Tachin Joojeh, a majestic dish that blends the richness of chicken, the aromatic allure of basmati rice, and the refreshing tang of yogurt. Experience a symphony of textures, where tender chicken pieces nestle amidst fluffy rice, while a golden crust beckons with its crispy charm. Immerse yourself in the diverse recipes presented in this article, offering variations that cater to every palate. From the classic Tachin Joojeh with its traditional saffron-infused rice to the alluring Pistachio Tachin or the vegetarian delight of Shirazi Tachin, each recipe promises a unique culinary adventure. Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and unforgettable taste of this Persian masterpiece.
TACHIN JOOJEH RECIPE BY TASTY
Looking for a more eye-catching way to serve chicken and rice? Try tachin joojeh-a Persian dish with a crispy brown layer of saffron rice that gives way to fragrant sautéed chicken and onions. When you invert this casserole onto a platter, it looks like a savory upside down cake! Serve it with a bright yogurt sauce and barberries for a pop of sweetness.
Provided by Betsy Carter
Categories Dinner
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 38
Steps:
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon zest, garlic, turmeric, pepper, ginger, and salt. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make the yogurt rice: Add the water to a medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the rice and simmer for 3 minutes. Drain the rice and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. The rice should be slightly translucent with a completely opaque center. Set aside to drain completely.
- If using the saffron, combine with the warm water in a small bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and let bloom for about 5 minutes, until the water has cooled.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the yogurt, egg yolks, turmeric, cumin, salt, pepper, and bloomed saffron, if using, until bright orange-yellow. Add half of the rice and stir to incorporate. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken and onions: Wipe the marinade off the chicken, then cut into bite-size pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the onion and cook until just translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, until the garlic and ginger are fragrant, then add the chicken and cook until just cooked through, about 7 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Grease a 2½-quart ovenproof glass bowl or a 5-inch square casserole dish with the butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add the yogurt rice to the prepared bowl and pack down with a spatula. Evenly distribute chicken and onion mixture over the yogurt rice and pack down. Add the remaining cooked rice on top in an even layer. Cut a piece of parchment paper to cover the bowl and then wrap tightly with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes, until the rice on the bottom is crispy and browned.
- Meanwhile, make the yogurt sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the yogurt, mint, parsley, salt, pepper, cumin, ginger, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- In a small pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the barberries and sauté for 3 minutes, until warmed. Remove the pan from the heat and season with a pinch of salt.
- To serve, carefully invert the bowl onto a serving platter or cutting board. If it does not release, take a spatula and run it along the sides, then try again. Spoon some of the yogurt sauce over the top and sprinkle with the barberries. Serve with the remaining yogurt sauce alongside.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1047 calories, Carbohydrate 121 grams, Fat 32 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 67 grams, Sugar 26 grams
PERSIAN LAYERED CHICKEN AND RICE WITH YOGURT (TACHIN JOOJEH) RECIPE - (4.6/5)
Provided by PineyCook
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- 1.Preheat oven to 400 F 2.Yogurt Sauce In a medium bowl mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice and salt. Sprinkle mint or basil on top (optional) Keep in fridge until ready to serve. 3.Chicken and onions Season chicken on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium heat until very hot. Add chicken - it should sizzle - and cook 6 minutes per side, or until no longer pink. (It will be golden brown on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside) Remove from heat, cut into bite-sized cubes and set aside. Add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet, add onions, ½ teaspoon salt, turmeric and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 6-7 minutes over medium heat until onions soften and turn golden brown. Mix with cubed chicken and set aside. 4.Tachin: step one Put rinsed rice and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan and add water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, lower heat and cook, covered, for 7 minutes. Pour into a strainer, drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking and set aside. 5.Tachin: step two Whisk egg yolks, yogurt, saffron, ½ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl. Add half the cooked, drained rice, mix thoroughly and set aside. 6.Tachin: step three Swirl melted butter and olive oil in the 2-quart casserole to coat bottom and sides. Add yogurt & rice mixture and smooth it out into an even layer with the back of a spoon. Add chicken and onion mixture next, making an even layer. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil and ½ teaspoon salt to the remaining plain white rice, stir to combine and add to top of casserole, pressing it down gently. Cover casserole with lid or a double layer of foil and bake in the lower third of preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until a light brown crust forms on the bottom. Remove from oven. Carefully flip casserole upside down onto a platter. Cover the top with a clean dish cloth while you give the Barberries a 1 minute stir in a frying pan with a bit of oil. Toss them on top of the Tachin to garnish. Cut Tachin into six servings and enjoy with yogurt sauce on the side.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This includes using fresh chicken, fluffy basmati rice, and full-fat yogurt.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs. This dish is very forgiving, so feel free to add your own personal touch.
- Make sure the rice is cooked through before assembling the tachin. Otherwise, the dish will be mushy.
- When layering the ingredients, make sure to press them down firmly so that they don't shift around during baking.
- Bake the tachin until the top is golden brown and the rice is cooked through. This usually takes about 45 minutes.
- Let the tachin cool slightly before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
Conclusion:
Tachin joojeh is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken. With its crispy rice crust, tender chicken, and flavorful yogurt sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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