Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　1 1/2 hr (includes standing time)

　　This adaptation of a Persian dish is a perfect party recipe because it is so seductive — and it can be done ahead.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

　　1 1/2 cups basmati rice

　　3 qt water

　　1 1/2 tablespoons salt

　　5 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　1 tablespoon coriander seeds, coarsely crushed

　　1/4 teaspoon black pepper

　　3 (4- by 1-inch) strips fresh lemon zest

　　

Step 1

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

　　

Step 2

Bring 3 quarts water and salt to a boil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot, then add rice and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes from time water returns to boil. Drain parboiled rice in a sieve. Clean and dry pot.

　　

Step 3

Melt butter with coriander seeds and pepper in pot over low heat, stirring to combine, then sprinkle rice into pot, mounding it in center. Make 5 or 6 holes in rice to bottom of pot with round handle of a wooden spoon and sprinkle rice with zest. 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 over low heat, undisturbed, until tender and a crust forms on bottom, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from heat and let rice stand, tightly covered and undisturbed, 30 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Discard zest (or save for garnish) and spoon loose rice onto a platter. Season rice with salt, then break crust into pieces and scatter over rice.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Rice can be parboiled and drained 4 hours ahead and transferred to a bowl. Keep, covered with a dampened paper towel, at room temperature.