How to Make Delicious Persian Macaroni at Home
Persian Macaroni is not just any pasta dish; it is a symphony of flavors that highlights the love Iranians have for rice crusts, known as tahdig. This simple yet flavorful recipe marries the rich texture of perfectly cooked macaroni with a savory meat sauce and the irresistible crunch of golden tahdig. It’s a cultural adaptation that speaks volumes about Persian culinary traditions and its people’s creativity in making even the simplest ingredients come alive in a meal.
Ingredients
Serves 4 people
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Macaroni | 1 package |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Ground beef | 200 grams |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Thyme | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| Turmeric | to taste |
| Macaroni spice | to taste |
| Tomato paste | 1 heaping tablespoon |
| Mushrooms | optional, some |
| Vegetable oil | as needed |
| Water | half a pot |
| Sliced potatoes or lavash bread | for tahdig |
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Water
Fill a suitable pot halfway with water and place it over high heat. Allow the water to reach a rolling boil, which will take about 5-10 minutes. In the meantime, you can start preparing the macaroni sauce to save time later.
Step 2: Prepare the Onion
Chop the onion finely. Heat a pan on medium-high and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Once the onion is ready, add the ground beef to the pan. Cook while stirring until the beef changes color and is fully browned. Season with turmeric, salt, black pepper, thyme, and any preferred macaroni spices. Stir to combine everything well.
Step 4: Add the Mushrooms
Wash and slice the mushrooms into thin pieces if using. Add them to the pan and sauté until they release their moisture and begin to brown. This should take another few minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate Tomato Paste
Push the mixture aside to create space in the center of the pan, then add the tomato paste. Fry the tomato paste slightly in the pan’s middle to remove any raw taste and unlock its full flavor and color. Mix it thoroughly with the other ingredients.
Step 6: Enhance the Boiling Water
When the pot of water reaches a boil, add two tablespoons of salt, a tablespoon of turmeric, and a tablespoon of oil to enhance the cooking process. These additions will flavor the macaroni and prevent them from sticking.
Step 7: Cook the Macaroni
Add the macaroni to the boiling water, cutting them in half if desired. Let them cook until al dente, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta using a colander. [IMAGE_3]
Step 8: Prepare the Tahdig
Pour some oil into the bottom of the pot used for cooking the macaroni. Layer sliced potatoes or pieces of lavash bread at the bottom to form the crust, known as tahdig.
Step 9: Layer the Macaroni and Sauce
Start by covering the tahdig with a layer of macaroni. Follow with a generous portion of the meat sauce. Continue layering the remaining macaroni and sauce in this manner until all are used up. Close the pot with its lid.
Step 10: Final Cooking and Serving
Place a heat diffuser under the pot to ensure even cooking of the tahdig over low heat. Cook for about 45 minutes. Once finished, carefully mix the macaroni and sauce and serve this delectable Persian Macaroni hot.
Pro Tips
For the crispiest tahdig, ensure the oil is hot before adding your tahdig layer. Adjust the spices according to your taste. For an extra rich flavor, you can mix in a touch of butter with oil when preparing the tahdig.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tahdig is a beloved crispy crust that adds texture and flavor, making it a highlight of the dish.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Adding oil to the boiling water and stirring occasionally will help prevent the macaroni from sticking.
