Tah Dig (Persian Rice)

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup long-grain basmati rice
• 1/2 cup plain 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed saffron threads
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons canola oil

Preparation

1. 1. Place 4 cups water in a saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Add rice; cook for 10 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water; drain.
2. 2. Combine yogurt, salt, and saffron in a medium bowl. Add rice to yogurt mixture, stirring well.
3. 3. Melt butter in a medium nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Add oil; swirl to coat. Add rice mixture to pan, lightly packing rice down. Wrap a clean, dry dish towel around lid to pan, tying it at the handle; place prepared lid on pan. Cook rice, covered, over medium heat 20 minutes (do not stir or uncover). Reduce temperature to medium-low; cook an additional 20 minutes or until rice is tender on top and a golden crust forms on bottom.
4. 4. Loosen the rice crust with a rubber spatula around the edges. Place a plate over the top of pan, and invert the rice onto plate, browned side up. Cut into 6 wedges, and serve immediately.