The Damkesh Tea Towel Process

A damkesh is a fitted cloth that sits between the rice and pot lid cover. It is used when cooking Persian rice to achieve delicate and perfectly separated grains of basmati rice.

A damkesh can be as simple as a couple of paper towels tucked under the lid of your rice pot, or you can use our preferred method, a clean kitchen hand towel. If you want to be extra fancy you can purchase a fitted, elastic-edge damkesh from your local Middle Eastern market or online.

The purpose of the damkesh is to prevent excess steam causing the rice to clump together, but at the same time to keep enough moisture in the rice pot.

How to serve Persian rice

Persian rice is not served in bowls like many other types of rice. Instead it is served on a platter.

Place the rice pot onto a heat proof surface next to the serving platter. Remove the lid and damkesh from the rice pot and, using a spatula, place ½ cup of the steamed rice in a separate bowl. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of Saffron Water (⁠Saffron Water⁠) over it. Mix gently and set aside. This will be used to garnish the rice.

Use the spatula to begin mounding the steamed rice onto the serving platter. Once all of the rice is on the serving platter, carefully remove the tahdig from the bottom of the pot. The tahdig pieces can be arranged around the edges of the rice platter or served on a separate plate. Next, spread the reserved saffron water rice on top of the steamed rice. Serve with Persian stews and kabobs.

Nooshe Joon!!