Saffron Rice Or Tacheen

• basmati rice↗2 1⁄2 cups
• diced chicken1 cup

  (optional)

• saffron1⁄2 teaspoon

  (either powdered or threads-let soak in 1 tbsp. hot water for a few minutes)

• eggs↗3
• plain yogurt↗1 cup
• oil1⁄3 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Rinse rice several times.

2. 2

   Cook rice in rice cooker or put rice in medium sauce pan along with 2 1/2 cups of water.

3. 3

   Bring to a boil, then simmer with the pan covered about 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is firm, but not mushy.

4. 4

   Pour out any remaining water (if any) and set aside.

5. 5

   Beat the eggs, yogurt, saffron water, and oil together.

6. 6

   It should look like a creamy yellow sauce.

7. 7

   Add rice and stir until all rice is coated with sauce.

8. 8

   Turn into a 2 quart greased pyrex bowl or a 9 x 9 glass baking dish.

9. 9

   Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes.

10. 10

    Let cool about 10 minutes.

11. 11

    Loosen sides and invert onto serving dish.

12. 12

    The outside will be a nice brown.

13. 13

    Garnish with green and red grapes or lettuce or anything else you might wish.