Tah-dig -- the crunchy crust of rice on the bottom of the pot -- is considered by many to be the prize of Persian rice. Here it is rivaled by the surprise of pistachios, whose natural sweetness is brought out by the dill.

 

Active time: 20 min, Start to finish: 1 hour

3 cups basmati rice (1 1/4 lb)
4 quarts water
3 tablespoons salt (for water)
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2/3 cup chopped fresh dill
1 cup coarsely chopped shelled natural pistachios (5 oz)

 

Rinse rice in several changes of cold water in a large bowl until water runs clear. Drain in a large sieve.

Bring water and salt to a boil in a 6-quart heavy pot and parboil rice, uncovered, 5 minutes. Drain in large sieve.

Melt butter in bottom of cleaned pot and spoon rice over it, alternating with sprinklings of dill and pistachios and mounding loosely ending with rice. Make 5 or 6 holes in rice to bottom of pot with round handle of a wooden spoon, then cover pot with a kitchen towel and a heavy lid. Fold edges of towel up over lid (to keep towel from burning) and cook rice, undisturbed, over moderately low heat until tender and a crust forms on bottom, 30 to 35 minutes.

Spoon loose rice onto a platter and dip bottom of pan in a large bowl of cold water 30 seconds to loosen tah-dig (the rice crust on the bottom). Remove tah-dig with a large spoon and serve in a separate bowl or over loose rice.

Makes 8 to 10 (side dish) servings.