Dive into the rich culinary heritage of Iran with Tahchin, a sumptuous layered rice dish boasting tender chicken or lamb, tantalizing yogurt, and the exquisite essence of saffron. Embark on a flavorful journey through the intricate layers of this beloved Persian delicacy, where each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and aromas, captivating the senses with every mouthful. Whether served as a festive centerpiece or a comforting family meal, Tahchin embodies the warmth and tradition of Iranian cuisine, inviting you to savor its savory delights and experience the cultural tapestry woven into each delectable grain.

Ingredients:

For the rice:

  - 2 cups basmati rice

  - 2 cups plain yogurt

  - 2 eggs

  - 1/4 cup vegetable oil

  - 1/4 teaspoon ground saffron (dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water)

  - Salt, to taste

For the filling:

  - 1 lb boneless chicken breast or lamb, cooked and shredded

  - 1 large onion, finely chopped

  - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

  - Salt and pepper, to taste

For garnish:

  - Saffron threads (optional)

  - Slivered almonds or pistachios (optional)

  - Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

1- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in cold water for about 30 minutes.

2- In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, eggs, vegetable oil, dissolved saffron, and salt.

3- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the yogurt mixture. Gently mix until the rice is well coated. Set aside.

4- In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and golden brown. Add the cooked and shredded chicken or lamb to the pan, along with turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

5- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

6- Grease a baking dish with oil or butter. Then, spread half of the rice mixture evenly onto the bottom of the dish.

7- Next, add a layer of the cooked chicken or lamb mixture on top of the rice.

8- Cover the chicken or lamb layer with the remaining rice mixture, spreading it out evenly.

9- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rice is fully cooked and forms a golden crust on the bottom.

10- Once done, remove the Tahchin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

11- To serve, carefully invert the baking dish onto a serving platter, allowing the Tahchin to come out in a beautiful layered form.

12- Garnish with saffron threads, slivered almonds or pistachios, and fresh herbs, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Iran Tahchin!

Nutritional Values :

For the Rice Mixture:

- 2 Cups Basmati Rice

 - Calories: About 360 kcal

 - Fat: 0.6g

 - Carbohydrates: 80g

 - Protein: 8g

Benefits:Provides energy, low in fat, and easy to digest.

2 Cups Plain Yogurt:

 - Calories: About 310 kcal

 - Fat: 10g

 - Carbohydrates: 30g

 - Protein: 20g

Benefits:Rich in probiotics, supports gut health, and a good source of calcium.

2 Eggs:

 - Calories: About 140 kcal

 - Fat: 10g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 12g

Benefits:High in protein, supports muscle growth, and contains essential vitamins.

1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil:

 - Calories: About 480 kcal

 - Fat: 56g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:Provides healthy fats for energy and supports heart health

1/4 Teaspoon Ground Saffron (Dissolved in 2 Tablespoons Hot Water):

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:Contains antioxidants, may boost mood, and reduce inflammation.

For the Filling:

1 lb Boneless Chicken Breast or Lamb, Cooked and Shredded

 - Calories: About 400 kcal

 - Fat: 12g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 70g

Benefits:High in protein, supports muscle repair, and rich in essential nutrients.

1 Large Onion, Finely Chopped

 - Calories: About 45 kcal

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits:Contains antioxidants, supports immune function, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

 - Calories: About 240 kcal

 - Fat: 28g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein:** 0g

1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric

 - Calories: About 9 kcal

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0.3g

Benefits:Anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, and may improve digestion.

Salt and Pepper, to Taste:

Salt (Per 1 Teaspoon - 6g):

 - Calories: 0

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Sodium: 2,300mg (96% of Daily Value)

Black Pepper (Per 1 Teaspoon - 2.3g):

 - Calories: 5.8

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

 - Fiber: 0.6g (2% of Daily Value)

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Sodium: 0.5mg

 - Potassium: 37.4mg (1% of Daily Value)

 - Iron: 0.2mg (1% of Daily Value)

 - Vitamin C: 0.3mg (0% of Daily Value)

Benefits:Enhances flavor, with pepper providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits

For Garnish (Optional):

- Saffron Threads

- Slivered Almonds or Pistachios

 - Fresh Herbs Like Parsley or Cilantro

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands, cooking methods, and serving sizes. If you need more precise nutritional information, you may want to calculate it using a nutritional calculator based on the specific quantities you use in your recipe.