Persian Rice, also known as Chelow Rice, is a staple dish in Iranian cuisine. It is characterized by its light, fluffy, and aromatic quality, making it a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions. To achieve the perfect Persian Rice, it is essential to have the right tool – a Persian Rice Cooker. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using a Persian Rice Cooker and provide tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.
As a part of rice cooker review we also have a look in japanese rice cooker, asian rice cooker, rice cooker for sushi. We also have a look in high voltage rice cooker.
A Brief History of Rice in Iran
Historically, the first written reference to rice in what is now Iran dates back to the fourth century. Indian rice was the norm back then. It was a mainstay back then, albeit perhaps not to the same extent as now. It was during the early Islamic period, in the 8th century, when records of rice farming in Iran first appear. During the ascendancy of the Safavid Empire in the 16th century, rice’s popularity soared.
Northern Iran is Iran’s primary rice growing area, near to the Caspian Sea. Gilan province is the primary source of rice for Iran. There are a lot of paddy fields around here. The province of Gilan is responsible for 50% of Iran’s total rice output. Crops are harvested between April and May. To cultivate the rice and give a top grade, the ladies of the region labor ceaselessly.
The finest flavor comes from storing Persian rice for at least a year after harvest. The huge national demand for rice also generates a considerable number of rice imports from other nations.
What Is A Persian Rice Cooker?
Persian rice cookers are not to be confused with normal rice cookers. This implement is used to cook rice in a certain manner typical to Persian cuisine. This sort of rice cooker allows you to brown the rice to a golden crisp, a texture known as tahdig.
A cooking timer is a standard feature in most Persian rice cookers, allowing you to tailor the cooking process to your preferences. Most of these cookers can run up to 1 hour. The tahdig consistency may be achieved with a one-hour cooking time. If you want your basmati rice cooked in the traditional style, setting the timer to 45 minutes will do the trick.
Things To Consider When Buying A Persian Rice Cooker
Certain functions are more essential than others in a Persian rice cooker. Among other things, you should think about the cooking timer, the non-stick pot, the heating efficiency, etc. These attributes will help you figure out the finest possible product in your budget.
Here is a brief breakdown of everything you want to focus on to assist you end up with the greatest Persian rice cooker.
Timer for Cooking
To achieve the desired crispiness in Persian rice, a cooking timer is an essential function in any rice cooker. Make sure your rice cooker has a timer that can be set for at least 60 minutes and is simple to operate.
Able to Prepare Meals
Are you preparing a meal for a nuclear family of four? Or for a smaller party of ten to twelve? If the former, a modest rice cooker that can hold between three and six cups of uncooked rice should suffice. However, a larger cooker is typically the best choice for preparing meals for a crowd.
The Stove’s Inner Pot
When shopping for a Persian rice cooker, it’s very important to pay attention to the quality of the inner pot. Having a non-stick coating on it is essential for hassle-free and effective food release. Flipping the cooker to remove the rice might damage the tahdig crust if done improperly.
Handles
A Persian rice cooker must contain convenient handles on the sides to raise it and turn it over a plate. The easier it is to scoop out the rice, the bigger and more grippy the handle. So, before you buy a rice cooker, double inspect the handles.
Durability
Finally, pay some regard to the durability of your stove. You want to look at the body of the stove and also the heating element. Going for a stainless-steel body is always the superior option since it will resist any damage you put at it.
Top 8 Best Persian Rice Cooker Reviews
It’s time to give you some alternatives now that you have a rough notion of the features you want to think about. Here are some of our favorite models to help you make a decision.
PARS KHAZAR Automatic Rice Cooker 8 Cup
The Pars Khazar rice cooker is another great choice for a rice cooker from Iran. It also comes with a pot that doesn’t stick, so cleaning it won’t be hard. You can also choose how dark and crunchy you want your tahdig to be with the easy-to-use intensity control.
Pars Automatic Persian Rice Cooker
If you are just starting out with Persian food, you should invest in a rice cooker that makes authentic Persian rice preparation a breeze. Incorrect equipment might make it difficult to follow a recipe to perfection. But with this Pars Automatic Persian Rice Cooker, you can make a delicious dish of tahdig in no time.
It’s really just a basic rice cooker with an on/off switch. As long as you have the ideal ratio of rice and water within the cooker, you will be able to obtain the optimal outcomes out of it. What makes the device even more amazing is its timer, keep-warm, and auto shut-off feature.
The cooking time may be chosen using the big dial on the front, and after the dish is done cooking, the appliance will switch to warm mode automatically. Its inner pot is made of stainless steel and coated with a non-stick material to facilitate removing cooked food as easy and quick as possible.
There are a total of 6 versions of this appliance, all of them are identical save for their cooking capacity. If you have a small family, opting with the 3-cup variety could be fine. But if you have a huge family or plan on having a lot of guests around, the 15-cup model is your best bet.
Programmable 1-2 Cup Automatic Persian Rice Cooker
We’ve decided to go with a product that’s quite comparable to the first one we considered. If you’re a fan of the crunchy, golden exterior of Persian rice, this basic model from Lavo Home might be the best kitchen appliance you own. In addition, even if you are on a limited budget, you should still consider purchasing this product because of how reasonably priced it is.
It’s easy to learn how to use this stove because all you do is turn it on and off. The front-mounted timer dial allows you to customize cooking conditions for a perfectly cooked bottom crust in your tahdig. This outstanding model makes it simple to prepare delicious Persian rice every time.
The unit’s automatic shutoff and keep-warm capabilities further facilitate a truly hands-free culinary experience. Once it’s set up, it will cook perfectly without any further input from you. However, remember that it can hold no more than 2.5 cups of uncooked rice at a time.
The quality of the unit’s building and workmanship is excellent. It has a stainless steel exterior, a tempered glass cover, and an interior pot made of non-stick material for easy cleanup and serving. More value is added to your purchase by the inclusion of a plastic rice paddle, a measuring cup, and an instruction booklet.
BrentWood Crunchy Persian Rice Cooker
Because most rice cookers only have a limited capacity, it is difficult to prepare a big quantity of tahdig at one sitting. However, that won’t be an issue with this colossal model made by Brentwood. You can’t go wrong with this kitchen gadget if you have a big family or like to have people around for dinner and gatherings often.
The machine’s functioning mechanisms are easy to understand. The 60-minute timer is displayed prominently on the front of this turn-on-and-cook appliance. Automatic shut-off and keep-warm functions are convenient extras that come standard on this model.
We have alluded to the finest feature of this machine being its capacity. It can hold 8 cups of raw rice, which will expand to 16 cups after cooked. That means you can throw a dinner party whenever the mood strikes, without worrying about making enough food for everyone.
The unit’s stainless steel construction also makes it exceptionally long lasting. Because of its inner non-stick coating, washing it is quick and easy. The pot is detachable, so you may use it to serve rice right from the cooker if you choose.
It’s a great buy for the money and a great addition to any kitchen thanks to its sturdy construction and ample cooking space.
Royal Cook RC-77251 Persian Rice Cooker with Glass Lid
For those who would rather not dirty another dish while making rice, an automatic rice cooker is a godsend. The Royal Cook RC-77251 ensures perfect tahdig every time, with that signature golden crust, and without the need for timing devices or other inconveniences.
This rice cooker is a classic model with no fancy bells or whistles, just an on/off switch. To turn it on, simply plug it in and flip the front-mounted lever switch. Then, you can sit back and relax while the gadget takes care of the cooking, doing away with the hassles often associated with making excellent rice.
The browning and keep-warm settings are nice additions to an otherwise basic appliance like a rice cooker. The included tempered glass cover is see-through, so you can check on your food’s development while it cooks.
As a result of the inner pot’s non-stick coating, removing cooked food won’t be a hassle. Each serving of rice may be precisely measured thanks to the included measuring cup. The thermal fuse prevents the device from being burned out.
Brentwood TS-1020S Crunchy Persian Rice Cooker
Up next is yet another excellent proposal from Brentwood. The last model we evaluated, the Brentwood TS-1020S, is a bit newer than this one. However, in terms of cooking capability, it is on par with its more modern version, making it a good option for upgrading your kitchen.
The unit’s front-mounted timer dial is large enough to accommodate a 60-minute setting. When the countdown timer approaches zero, the appliance will switch to a keep-warm setting to maintain food quality until you remove it.
This machine’s body is constructed from stainless steel, making it long-lasting and robust. There are two plastic handles, one on each end, for simple transport. The lid is made of tempered glass and has its own carry handle on top. The inside pot is coated with a non-stick material, which facilitates the effortless removal of cooked food.
In addition, it can hold enough uncooked rice for a meal for ten people. As a result, it will be quite easy for a large family to meet their demands there. There are four legs attached to the base of the unit to prevent the item from directly heating your kitchen counter.
Alpine Cuisine Persian Rice Cooker
It’s understandable if you have never heard of Alpine Cuisine, the manufacturer of the next machine we’ll examine. When we initially tried this device, we were dubious, and it did have its share of problems. Despite the little setbacks, we can now appreciate how well it performs its intended function.
The first red signal was the presence of simply a 30-minute timer on the front of the machine. There isn’t a faster way to prepare tahdig than one hour in a slow cooker. However, once we added the rice and switched on the machine, the timer did not begin counting down until after 40 minutes had passed. So, although it is not explicitly shown, the cooker is functional for a full hour.
The machine has a respectable 10-cup maximum capacity for cooking at once. Therefore, it is suitable for both a modest family and a large group of guests. The inner pot is nonstick and can be removed for easy cleaning.
The device is also protected against overheating thanks to a thermal fuse. The keep-warm feature is completely reliable and will keep your dinner steaming hot until you’re ready to serve it. Its low cost and accessibility make it a smart buy for anybody watching their pennies.
Programmable 16 Cup Automatic Persian Rice Cooker
We will be closing off our list with a terrific alternative by the business Unique Imports. This brand’s name pops up frequently in discussions about automobile components, medical supplies, and home appliances. This is an exceptionally adaptable band that doesn’t fit well into any one genre.
The device has an unusually constructed timer. It covers the whole hour but divides it into quarters instead of minutes. By looking through the instruction manual, you can readily learn more about this function. As predicted, once the food is done cooking, the appliance switches to a keep-warm setting.
Its 16-cup capacity is amazing and will help you to easily host a large dinner party. And when you’re done eating, simply place the dishes in the dishwasher for hassle-free cleanup. The power cord may be unplugged from the device for more convenient storage.
This device is constructed entirely of stainless steel, making it as sturdy as a tank. Having a non-stick coating on the inside pot is crucial for keeping your tahdig intact when you take it out of the oven. You may also use the complimentary measuring cup and plastic spatula.
Persian Rice Cooker vs Regular Rice Cooker
A Persian Rice Cooker is specifically designed to cook a traditional Persian dish called “Chelo” rice, which requires a specific cooking technique to produce a fluffy, separate grain of rice with a crispy crust called “Tahdig.” A regular rice cooker, on the other hand, is designed to cook a variety of rice dishes but may not have the specific features required to cook “Chelo” rice. Some regular rice cookers may not be able to produce the crispy crust.
Putting Out the Fire at the Bottom
If you make rice in a standard rice cooker, you know that the rice always comes out perfectly cooked. It comes with perfectly cooked, never-burnt rice. Though perfect for a standard serving of white rice, this is not the best method for preparing tahdig. Overheating the rice is what makes it extremely crunchy, hence Tahdig rice is a specialty of the Middle East.
Persian rice is cooked by keeping it on high heat in a rice cooker for 45 to 60 minutes, which causes the bottom to burn and turn a golden brown and crispy. A golden crust is achieved by mixing vegetable oil with the rice in the rice cooker. A standard rice cooker will automatically turn off if the rice starts to burn.
Timer for Cooking
As a rule, a timer is included in Persian rice cookers. Except for that one key difference, it functions similarly to any other on/off rice cooker. With that one nuanced distinction, however, the two units produce contrasting outcomes. This is a key feature of a traditional Persian rice cooker, but you won’t find it on any other type of rice cooker.
With this timer, you may get the ideal tahdig by cooking the rice for a longer period of time, during which a golden crust will form. Due to the fully automated nature of modern rice cookers, they turn off immediately after the rice has finished cooking to ensure uniformity.
Insert, Nonstick
There are still models available with a stainless steel inner pot rather than the more common non-stick coating found in most modern rice cookers. Although these rice cookers have a few drawbacks when it comes to removing cooked food, they are still a decent buy.
However, a non-stick inside is mandatory for every Persian rice cooker. Cooking rice in a pot without a non-stick inner pot or insert will result in a broken tahdig. This seemingly insignificant part is essential in every Persian rice cooker.
Persian Rice Cooker: How to Use It?
Using a rice cooker, you may quickly and easily prepare any one of thousands of delicious Iranian dishes. But when it comes to widespread recognition, nothing beats the classic golden crust of tahdig atop plain basmati rice. One may argue that the desire to make this dish is what motivates many to invest in a Persian rice cooker.
Here, then, you will learn the ins and outs of using a Persian rice cooker to prepare this delectable and unusual dish. Once you master the technique, you may apply it to various Persian foods as long as you have the right recipe. Find all the recipes you need with a simple online search.
We anticipate that you will have enough food for six servings from the dinner we are preparing. If you want to make enough for a crowd, just add extra of the same components.
What You’ll Need
- The equivalent of three cups of basmati rice
- Finely ground sea salt, 2 tablespoons
- One and a half tablespoons of virgin olive oil
Methods of Cooking
- First, wash the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. One can use either a conventional pot or a bowl with holes in it. It’s important to drain it completely, though.
- Then, put everything into the rice cooker’s inner pot. Mix in 4 glasses of ice water.
- Stir the ingredients gently with a spoon or paddle.
- Plugin your rice cooker Cover it up, set the timer for 60 minutes, and press start.
Just Wrapping Things Up
All you have to do is set the timer and walk away while the rice cooker does all the work. When it comes time to take it out of the cooker, make sure you have a large tray available where you can serve the rice. The ideal serving dish size is one that can fit over the top of the rice cooker.
Put on some oven mitts and grasp the handles of both halves of the rice cooker. Quickly remove the lid while holding the platter in place over the rice cooker’s opening. To check if the tahdig is on top of the rice, carefully remove the lid and set the pot back down.
If you wait too long to start eating the tahdig, it will lose its crispiness and become soggy.
Persian Rice Varieties
Finding the appropriate rice brand that is similar to what they are used to eating might be particularly challenging for Iranian migrants living outside of Iran. To find a solution, we polled the Iranians working on our team abroad to see which brands of Persian rice they preferred.
It is crucial to know which brands of Persian rice to use if you wish to prepare it. There are various aspects that determine the quality of rice, such as its size, texture, and so on. It is crucial to choose the proper brand in order to acquire the ideal taste and aroma. Below are a few Persian rice brands you won’t regret:
Dunar Elonga Basmati Rice
Dunar is an excellent choice for Persian rice. Long-grain Basmati rice is highly aromatic. This rice works wonderfully with the classic Persian cuisines of Kateh, Dami, and Polow. A few of our staff members said that this is their favored brand of Persian rice. Because they are so fluffy even after cooking, whole grains are a great example of this.
Zaika Parboiled Zella Basmati Rice
Zaika makes fantastic white Basmati rice. Cooking time of 5–7 minutes is optimal. They are long, light, and fluffy, so you can eat them right away. The Persians on staff still like this particular brand of rice. This is the best Iranian rice brand for folks who don’t have a lot of time to cook.
Atry Smoked Basmati
Smoked rice is a specialty food in Iran. The Iranian basmati rice is of the highest quality. Long grains and a robust smokiness characterize this variety of tobacco. This type of rice might take up to twice as long to cook as traditional basmati. Boil it until it’s firm in the middle and pliable around the edges.
Royal Brown Basmati Rice
If you’re in the market for something outside the norm, this is the brand for you. There are qualitative differences between brown and white basmati rice. The rice is chewier than usual and has a nutty flavor, although it takes longer to cook. It’s also very simple to crack open. Amongst our personnel, this is one of the most sought-after brands. In addition, it comes in a stylish rice bag for presentation.
Is Persian Rice the Same As Basmati?
That familiar and beloved basmati rice is, indeed, the rice of the Persians. In many traditional Persian cuisines, this long grain rice is used because it retains its shape so well while being steamed. In addition, the golden crust can be made with this grain because it does not clump together.
Nonetheless, there are numerous varieties of this rice, each with its own unique cooking requirements and flavor profile. Gerde rice, Domsiah rice, Doodi rice, Lenjan rice, and Tarom rice are all types of basmati rice commonly used in Persian cooking.
Cleaning A Persian Rice Cooker
Cleaning a Persian Rice Cooker is a crucial part of maintaining its performance and prolonging its lifespan. Here are some steps to follow for effective cleaning:
- Unplug the Rice Cooker: Before you start cleaning, make sure to unplug the Rice Cooker to avoid any electrical hazards.
- Remove any leftover rice: Empty any leftover rice from the pot and dispose of it.
- Rinse the pot: Rinse the pot under warm water, making sure to remove any remaining grains of rice or food particles.
- Use a gentle cleaner: Use a gentle dish soap or cleaner to wash the pot, making sure to avoid any abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
- Dry thoroughly: After washing, rinse the pot with clean water and dry it thoroughly.
- Store properly: Once the pot is dry, store it in a dry and cool place to prevent any corrosion or damage.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to effectively clean your Persian Rice Cooker and ensure that it lasts for many years to come.
Conclusion
A Persian Rice Cooker is a must-have kitchen appliance for anyone who loves to cook Persian Rice. It allows you to cook fluffy and aromatic rice every time, eliminating the guesswork and hassle associated with traditional rice-cooking methods. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, a Persian Rice Cooker is easy to use and will help you achieve delicious results every time. So, if you’re looking to elevate your Persian Rice game, consider investing in a high-quality Persian Rice Cooker today!
