Iraqi Rice Timman

Elevate your dinner table with the timeless flavors of **Iraqi Rice Timman**, a fragrant and visually stunning dish that showcases the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine. This recipe features fluffy basmati rice, delicately infused with golden turmeric and enriched with butter for a luxurious finish. A standout feature is the optional crispy tahdig layer, achieved with thinly sliced potatoes at the base, adding a delectable crunch to every bite. Perfectly steam-cooked to achieve a light, non-sticky texture, Timman pairs beautifully with hearty stews, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. Quick to prepare in under 35 minutes, this traditional rice dish is a must-try for anyone looking to savor the authentic taste of Iraq.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium potato (thinly sliced, optional for tahdig layer)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice in cold water 3-4 times until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping.

Step 2

Soak the rice in cold water for 20 minutes, then drain thoroughly.

Step 3

In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the drained rice. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the rice cook for 5-6 minutes until it is partially cooked (it should still have a slight bite). Drain the rice and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pot, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. If using the potato for tahdig, layer the bottom of the pot with the thin slices of potato.

Step 5

Sprinkle the turmeric powder evenly over the oil (and potatoes, if using) to create a vibrant golden base.

Step 6

Carefully add the partially cooked rice over the turmeric layer. Shape the rice into a gentle mound and avoid pressing it down.

Step 7

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, make 4-5 small holes in the rice mound to allow steam to escape. This helps ensure evenly cooked rice.

Step 8

Dot the top of the rice mound with small pieces of butter to enhance the flavor.

Step 9

Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel or a paper towel, then place the lid on tightly. The towel will absorb excess moisture and ensure a fluffy texture.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and the bottom layer to crisp up into a golden tahdig.

Step 11

Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Carefully invert the pot onto a serving plate to reveal the crispy tahdig layer on top, or serve by scooping the rice gently and then the tahdig separately.

Step 12

Serve your Iraqi Timman warm as a side dish or alongside stews, grilled meats, or vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1587.5 grams (1587.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1148

Total Fat 63.90g	82%
Saturated Fat 18.80g	94%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.90g
Cholesterol 66mg	22%
Sodium 2549mg	111%
Total Carbohydrate 128.30g	47%
Dietary Fiber 5.20g	19%
Total Sugars 1.60g
Protein 17.60g	35%

Vitamin D 5IU	23%
Calcium 121mg	9%
Iron 8mg	44%
Potassium 822mg	17%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.6%

Protein: 6.1%

Carbs: 44.3%