Best Dantes Rice Recipes

TAHDIG RECIPE (CRISPY PERSIAN RICE)

Steps:

• Mix the saffron into 1 cup very warm (but not hot) water. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to let the saffron release all of its flavor.
• In a sieve, rinse the rice under cool running water until the water almost runs clear.
• In a large pot, combine 8 cups of water and the salt (this is your one shot to season the rice itself). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the rice and cook until al dente, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the rice.
• In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of the cooked rice, the yogurt, grapeseed oil, and 2 tbsp of the saffron water. Mix thoroughly.
• Spread the rice-yogurt mixture evenly on the bottom of a 10-inch lidded nonstick pot. Sprinkle 1 cup of the remaining cooked rice on top, followed by 2 tablespoons of the dried cherries, a pinch of orange zest, and a pinch of cinnamon. Add another layer of rice and repeat with the cherries, orange zest, and cinnamon, reserving a couple tbsp of the cherries for garnish. As you go about layering, the rice will start to dome and look "pointy" in the middle--that's okay! Keep it that way. Finish by dotting the top with the butter and pour the rest of the saffron water all over the top.
• Wrap the lid in a kitchen towel and secure it around the handle with a rubber band. Cover the pot and cook over low heat, 25 to 30 minutes or until the rice around the edges is golden and crispy; it's okay to peek under the lid! (See note #2) Be sure not to burn the bottom layer of the rice, though you do want a nice crust in the bottom.
• Remove the lid, invert a large serving plate over the pot, and carefully flip them over together. No worries if it sticks, just scrape it out and run with it! Sprinkle the tahdig with the reserved dried cherries and pistachios and serve right away.

MEDITERRANEAN RICE | THE BEST YELLOW RICE RECIPE

Steps:

• Heat a pot to medium-high and add the olive oil.
• Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes.
• Add the cumin and turmeric powder and cook for 5 minutes more.
• Add the rice and mix, let it toast for around 2 minutes.
• Add the water and season with salt and pepper.
• Bring to a boil, and once it starts boiling, lower the heat, cover and cook for 12 minutes.
• Toast the pine nuts and serve the rice with pine nuts and fresh cilantro.

DANTE'S RICE

Steps:

• Cook peas until almost done, drain into a colander, and rinse under a light spray of lukewarm water. Allow to Drain.
• Heat oil in pan.
• Cut the 2 slices of bacon into cubes and place in the pan.
• Cut the 2 scallions into thin rounds and add into pan.
• Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook rice.
• Fold sugar into cooked rice, add the peas and 1/2 pound of shelled cooked shrimp, bacon and scallions, fluff with a fork, and serve immediately.