How to Make Carrot Tahchin, the Traditional Iranian Dish You Forgot About—Its Aroma Travels Seven Streets! Try It Once and You’ll Fall in Love + Video

According to Saed News’ culinary service, Tahchin is one of the most elegant and flavorful dishes in Iranian cuisine. Loved by many, it often takes center stage at parties and celebrations. Thanks to ingredients like butter, saffron, and rosewater, it has an irresistible aroma.

Carrot polo, a popular mixed rice dish, is known for its delightful flavor and fragrance. When prepared as Tahchin, it transforms into a festive and sumptuous dish that’s perfect for special occasions. The best part? You can easily make this delicious dish at home and enjoy it with your family.

Below, we’ll guide you through the preparation of Carrot Polo Tahchin, along with essential tips and cooking tricks to help you perfect this exquisite dish.

Preparation Steps:

1. Cook the Meat and Vegetables:
   Pour oil into a pan and heat it. Finely chop the onions and sauté until soft. Add the ground meat and cook until it changes color. Season with salt and spices, then stir in the tomato paste.

2. Prepare the Carrots:
   Cut the carrots into matchsticks or grate coarsely. Add them to the pan with ½ cup of water. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Add Final Touches:
   After 15 minutes, add barberries, sugar (optional), and 2 tbsp saffron. Sauté briefly until all ingredients are well combined.

4. Make the Tahchin Mixture:
   In a bowl, mix the egg yolks and whole egg with rosewater, 8 tbsp saffron, and cardamom powder. Add yogurt, salt, and oil, and combine well. Set aside.

5. Prepare the Rice:
   Bring salted water to a boil in a pot. Soak the rice for a few hours beforehand, then add to the boiling water. For Tahchin, partially cook the rice (so it won’t become mushy later). Drain and mix with the Tahchin mixture until evenly coated.

6. Assemble the Tahchin:
   Grease the bottom of a pot with oil. Spread a layer of the rice mixture, pressing gently with the back of a spatula to shape it. Add half of the meat mixture on top. Layer more rice, press gently, then add the remaining meat mixture. Finish with the final layer of rice and press down.

7. Cook:
   Cover the pot and cook over low heat for 1 hour.

This Carrot Polo Tahchin combines the rich aromas of saffron, rosewater, and butter with the comforting texture of layered rice and savory meat. Perfect for a festive table, it’s sure to impress your guests—and delight your family.