This is a fragrant, golden Saffron Rice Bake that’s stuffed with a layer of baharat spiced meat. It’s big (serves 10), easy to assemble and will make your kitchen smell incredible. I’ve been describing it to people as a Middle Eastern rice lasagna. I know, I know, I’m so basic! 😂

Golden Saffron Rice Bake with Baharat Spiced Meat
If you love Middle Eastern flavours, you’re going to adore today’s recipe! It’s an easy Thursday-night version of the famous Persian dish Tachin, where saffron rice is layered with spiced meat or vegetables, baked, then inverted to reveal a crispy golden base.
We’re skipping the flip (it’s always a bit nerve wracking), baking it in a big pan instead of a fiddling with a pie dish, and taking an express pass to flavour by using baharat (Lebanese 7-spice) for the meat filling, a store bought spice blend that packs a flavour punch (or make it yourself with pantry spices!)
Out of the oven you get a crispy top you’ll want to peel off immediately, bright yellow fragrant rice that’s delicious on its own, and a juicy warmly spiced meat filling that smells incredible.
Enticed?? 😉


Ingredients for Golden Saffron Rice Bake
Here’s what you need to make this big layered rice bake. There’s 3 parts – the Saffron Rice, the spiced meat filling and a yogurt sauce (essential!).
1. For the saffron rice
The rice gets its vibrant yellow colour from saffron, moistness from yogurt and olive oil, and is held together by eggs. Basmati is the traditional rice used for Tachin, and though long grain rice will work, you will miss the subtle fragrant smell of basmati rice.

Saffron – The world’s most expensive spice by weight is what gives the rice that gorgeous bright yellow colour! Sold widely these days in the spice section of regular grocery stores, it adds a uniquely delicate earthy floral flavour using just a small amount – we only use 1/2 teaspoon.
Substitute – If real saffron is out of reach, feel free to use imitation saffron powder which will give the rice a similar bright yellow flavour. However, it doesn’t add flavour so to compensate, I would add some melted butter into the rice (around 50g / 3 tablespoons).
Basmati rice – As noted above, basmati rice is traditional for Persian dishes though you can substitute with long grain rice. Jasmine, medium grain and short grain rice (like sushi rice) doesn’t work as well as they are softer. I found they got a little too mushy for my taste once baked long enough to make the surface crispy.
Yogurt – Use any plain unsweetened yogurt. Full fat is best, though if you only have low fat you can add a little extra olive oil to compensate.
Olive oil – This is what keeps the rice layer from drying out. So don’t skimp on it! In fact, feel free to add extra. 🙂
Eggs keep the rice layer from falling apart when you cut it. Use large eggs, around 55g/2oz each sol in cartons labelled “large eggs” (see here for more on egg sizes for cooking – it’s a thing!).
Salt – We use some for par boiling as well as mixing some into the rice.
2. spiced filling
I love making this with lamb which is used widely in Middle Eastern cooking and goes so beautifully with Arabic spices. However, I’ve also made this with beef and let’s just say plates were scraped clean. 🙂

Lamb or beef – As noted above, I especially love this with lamb but it is equally as good with beef. It can also be made with chicken or turkey though the filling may be a little drier as they are leaner.
Eggplant – I added this for two reasons: to increase the volume of filling so you have a thick distinct layer between the golden rice (rather than using quite a bit of extra meat), and to make the filling a bit juicy (eggplant are like sponges!). You could substitute with another vegetable that is juicy when cooked – zucchini and cauliflower come to mind.
Baharat – The key spice, an express pass to serious flavour in the lamb filling! Baharat is a Middle Eastern spice blend, made with warm spices like all spices, cinnamon and cumin. You can find it at some large grocery stores (I get mine from Harris Farms, I’m in Sydney), Arabic stores or make your own – Baharat recipe here (just uses common pantry spices!).
Cumin powder – Extra flavour boost, rounds out the Baharat flavour (using only Baharat was missing a little something, I felt).
Tomato paste – This kind of binds the mixture together, as well as adding a bit of flavour. Without, it’s a bit too crumbly.
Pine nuts – For sprinkling across the surface. It’s used widely in Middle Eastern cooking and I’m very happy about that because I adore pine nuts!! Substitute with slivered almonds or almond flakes.
Garlic and onion – Essential flavour bases!
Salt – I use cooking salt (kosher salt is the equivalent in the States). If you’ve only got table salt, halve the amount. For salt flakes, increase by 50%.


3. LEMON YOGURT SAUCE
You will want a good amount of yogurt sauce to serve with this. Not only does it add moisture but also the cooling tang of yogurt just finishes it off perfectly! Use my Lemon Yogurt Sauce – it’s my most used sauce for good reason – it’s a cinch to make, I always have what I need, and it goes with “everything”.
But honestly even just plain yogurt would suffice because there’s so much flavour in the dish already. 🙂

How to make Layered Golden Saffron Rice Bake
Here’s my workflow: get the lamb mixture started first then while it’s simmering, you can make the saffron rice. Both will be finished around the same time, ready to assemble your rice bake!
1. The baharat spiced meat filling
Use a large 30cm / 12″ pan here, we’re making quite a bit of filling!

Cook lamb – Sauté the onion and garlic first, then cook the lamb, breaking it up as you go.
Spices and eggplant – Once you no longer see red, add the spices (baharat, cumin and salt) and cook it for 1 minute to toast the spices which will enhance the flavour. Stir the tomato paste then the eggplant. Stir until all the eggplant cubes are coated in the flavours (ie you no longer see any white surface).

Simmer – Add the water then lower the heat slightly so it’s simmering energetically but not rapidly. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring regularly so the base doesn’t catch, until the eggplant is mostly cooked (it will cook more in the oven) and the water has mostly evaporated.
Thickness of filling – We want the filling to still be juicy but not so watery that it will stain the base layer of yellow rice. It should be thick enough that you can draw a path along the base of the pan. Once done, turn the stove off. The filling can be used hot or cool.
2. MAKE THE SAFFRON RICE
The step to grind the saffron threads into powder is to release more flavour and colour – remember, this is the world’s most expensive spice! If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can grind in a bowl using the back of a spoon, or if that doesn’t work (it depends how brittle the saffron is), just soak the whole threads.

Grind saffron with a mortar and pestle until it is mostly a powder.
Saffron water – Add boiling water into the mortar to dissolve the saffron powder.

Saffron yogurt mixture – Pour the saffron water into a bowl with the yogurt, olive oil, eggs and salt. Whisk until combined. It will be pale yellow at this stage – have faith! It becomes a vibrant yellow once baked.
Par boil rice – Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the rice and boil for just 5 minutes, then drain in a colander. The rice will finish cooking in the oven – it absorbs the liquid from the yogurt mixture.

Mix the rice with the yogurt mixture.
Yellow rice, ready to use!
3. assembling and baking
Don’t forget to use the pine nuts! I can’t tell you how many times I forgot. 🤯😂

Rice base – Spread half the rice in a 23 x 33cm pan (9 x 13″), or around that size. It can be metal, glass, ceramic – any material.
Lamb layer – Then spread all the lamb mixture on top and sprinkle with pine nuts.

Rice topping – Dollop the remaining rice across the surface then spread across the lamb.
Bake 50 minutes – Drizzle with oil (this helps the top go crispy). Bake for 50 minutes in a moderately hot oven – 200°C/400°F (180°C fan-forced).

Baked! It’s ready when the surface is quite crispy, with the edges a lovely golden colour.
Cutting – Let it rest for 10 minutes so it “sets” a bit so the pieces will hold together better. Then cut like lasagna and serve like lasagna! (NOW do you see why I’ve been describing it as an Middle Eastern Lasagna?? 😂)


How to serve this
As I mentioned above, don’t skip the Lemon Yogurt Sauce for serving, it really benefits from a sauce and the cool tang of yogurt goes with the flavours in this dish 1000% perfectly. You’ll want a good amount too, about 1/4 to 1/3 cup per slice (depending how large your slice is).
If you get to serving time and realise you forgot to make the sauce, even just plain yogurt will be fine.
Hope you enjoy! – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
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Layered Golden Rice Bake with Spiced Meat
Ingredients
Persian spiced meat filling:
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves , finely minced
- 1 onion , finely diced
- 750g / 1 1/2 lb lamb mince (first choice), or beef (Note 1)
- 2 1/2 tbsp baharat spice mix – store bought or make your own (Note 3)
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne powder , optional, for very subtle warmth
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 small eggplant , skin on, cut into 1cm / 0.4″ cubes, ~2 heaped cups (Note 2)
- 1 1/2 cups water
Golden rice:
- 3 cups basmati rice , uncooked
- 1 tbsp cooking salt / kosher salt , for rice cooking water
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads (Note 4 for imitation powder, more cost effective)
- 2 tbsp boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups plain unsweetened yogurt , full fat (regular, Greek or Greek-style)
- 2 large eggs (~55g/2oz each in-shell)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
Layering:
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (slivered or flaked almonds also great)
- 2 – 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil , for drizzling
Serving:
- 3 batches Lemon Yogurt Sauce (YES 3 BATCHES!), or even plain yogurt or sour cream (Note 5)
- 2 tbsp coriander / cilantro roughly chopped , optional garnish
- 1 tbsp roughly chopped toasted pine nuts , optional garnish
Instructions
ABBREVIATED:
- Filling: sauté onion and garlic, then cook lamb. Add spices, tomato paste then eggplant and water. Simmer 8 min until filling thickens. Saffron rice: grind saffron, soak in hot water. Mix with yogurt, oil, eggs and salt, mix in par boiled rice. Layer in pan with lamb, drizzle, bake 50 min until top is crispy. Slice and serve!
FULL RECIPE:
- Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan-forced).
- Toast pine nuts – Heat a large non-stick pan (30cm/12") over medium heat. Add pine nuts and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until they have golden brown spots. Remove into a bowl and set aside.
Spiced lamb filling:
- Cook meat – In the same pan, heat the oil over high heat. Cook the onion and garlic for 1 1/2 minutes. Add lamb and cook, breaking it up as you go, for 5 minutes until you no longer see red.
- Spices – Add the baharat, cumin and salt. Cook for 1 minute, then stir in tomato paste. Add the eggplant and stir to coat in the flavours until you no longer see any white eggplant flesh.
- Simmer – Add the water and bring it to a rapid simmer. Lower heat to medium high, then simmer for 8 minutes, stirring regularly, until the filling is thick enough that you can draw a path across the pan and it holds in place. The eggplant should be mostly cooked through (cooks more in oven). It's now ready for use (can use hot or or cool).
Golden rice:
- Soak saffron – Grind the saffron mostly into a powder in a mortar and pestle (Note 4). Add hot water and leave for 5 minutes+ to soak.
- Parboil rice – Bring a large pot of water to the boil with the 1 tablespoon of salt. Add rice and boil for 5 minutes, stirring every now and then. Drain well in a colander. (The rice is only partially cooked, it finishes cooking in the oven).
- Yogurt mixture – Whisk together the yogurt, saffron water, oil, eggs and salt in a large bowl (or used rice boiling pot). Add rice and mix to combine – it will be pale yellow (becomes brighter once baked).
Assemble and bake:
- Assemble – Spread half the rice in a 23 x 33cm / 9 x 13" dish. Spread over all the lamb mixture then sprinkle with pine nuts. Dollop remaining rice across the surface then spread.
- Bake – Drizzle over the extra virgin olive oil. Bake 50 minutes until the top is golden around the edges.
- Rest 10 minutes in the pan then cut. Serve with Lemon Yogurt Sauce.
Recipe Notes:
In memory of Dozer
Yesterday marked one month since Dozer left us and it felt like the right time to say goodbye to him at Bayview dog beach. I placed a magnolia flower from our garden on the water and watched it drift away, then scattered his ashes into the sea.


Bayview was his second favourite place in the whole world. It was where he truly got to be his happiest, most mischievous self. It’s where he played, had birthday parties, raced his friends, chased birds and drones, even fish!

But his first favourite place was wherever I was. We lived in eight different houses in the 13.9 years I had Dozer. Quite a nomadic existence! But he never had any trouble adjusting. As long as we were together, he was happy – and so was I.
Rest in peace, my beautiful Dozer. You were my once-in-a-lifetime soul dog, and I am so grateful that we found each other and got to spend the time we had together. I will honour your memory by continuing the work of RecipeTin Meals, the cause you were the heart and benefactor of.
And I will carry you in my heart forever. Love – your mum xx

the next chapter
And with that, this chapter feels like it’s drawn to a close. I’m holding tightly to the memory of everything that was Dozer, and I’m not ready to let him go from RecipeTin Eats yet. But the tide of tears is finally starting to ease, and sometimes I catch myself laughing free of tears (!!!) as I reminisce about Dozer.
So I think it’s time to start sharing some lighter stories about him, the moments that never made it into Life of Dozer on this website. Because there were so many to choose from!
It feels right to remember him with big smiles, plenty of laughter, lots of good food and a whole lot of love. 🐾 I look forward to sharing these stories with you. ~ Nagi x
PS Kicking things off with an up-close-and-personal of one of his greatest features. And a powerful one at that! He’d come tearing into the house from the very back of the yard at the faintest whiff of steak, but not even a flicker of a pause from bird-barking for a vegetable stir fry. That was my Dozer! 🥰

On a personal note – thank you.
Thank you for being here with me through this time. As Dozer grew older, I knew the day was coming, and I knew it would be hard, but nothing could ever prepare me for the reality of it and living through it. He was my once-in-a-lifetime soul dog, and losing him broke me completely.
I never in a million years imagined that baring my soul on my website would bring me so much comfort, or help give me the strength to slowly find my way forward again, one day at a time.
Thank you for the kindness you’ve shown, for the tears, for the supportive messages you’ve shared, emails and cards you’ve written, and for helping me find my way back to smiling when I think about our beautiful boy.
And most of all, thank you for sharing the joy of Dozer with me all these years. – Nagi x
Thank you Nagi. I will miss seeing the happy Dozer with his tail wagging in Bayview, I know he loved that beach. We take our two greys there and have seen Dozer with you and few times with group of GTs. I still have tears when I see Dozer’s photos. He was truly special. Thank you for sharing your Dozer with the rest of the world. Dozer will be forever in our hearts.♥♥♥
Emily, that means a lot. Bayview was truly his happy place. I love that we were there at the same time!! I wish we had met and Dozer had a chance to play with your pups. 🙂 🐾 – N x
Glad to hear that you are feeling a little better, and thank you for sharing that gorgeous snoozy photo of Dozer. He knew how to charm, didn’t he! I can’t think of RTE without Dozer. He is forever part of its journey.
You’re right, Jennifer, he definitely knew how to charm! And I agree, he’s part of the RTE story forever. 😊 – N x
Could you please confirm the fan forced C oven temperature – it says preheat oven to 200°C/400°F (350°C fan-forced)???
200oC is usually 180o fan forced:)
You’re right, thanks for helping our Susan. Typo. Fixed! 🙂 – N x
Yikes, sorry Renyne. It’s 180C fan, 200C/400F for regular ovens! Fixed. – N x
Thank you 🙂
You’re very welcome, Renyne! 😊 – N x
Thank you Nagi so much for sharing Dozer such a lovely boy,like so many others every time I see a recipe from you I go straight to Dozer and like you we all do miss such a wonderful character.It is good to hear that every day is a little better for you .Thank you so much for everything
Beryl, thank you for the lovely message. I know many people clicked the Dozer section first — that always makes me smile to hear. 🐾 – N x
Nagi, baby steps forward as you carry Dozer forever in your heart, what a beautiful full life he had, with no regrets from you, Im sure.
Our beautiful boy Sid left to Rainbow Bridge 3 months ago, and everything you say resonates with me.
🌈🐕🫶🏼
Marg, I’m so sorry about Sid. Three months is still so raw. You’re right… baby steps. Sending a hug your way. 🌈🐾 – N x
Thank you to you Nagi for sharing Dozer with us. I’m so glad that you’re feeling better. There will be ups and downs. It’s a process but know that you are loved and everything you do is appreciated.
Thank you, Danika. You’re right, there are definitely ups and downs. I really appreciate the kindness. ❤️ – N x
Thank you for Dozer Nagi San. Time heals but the happy memories lives on forever. Miss you Dozer.
Thank you, Sabrina. The happy memories really do stay with us forever. 🐾 – N x
THANKYOU, THANKYOU for all the photos you shared with us all. I recently bought your Tonight book and would go to the photos of Dozer first before the recipes lol….. It’s good your tears are easing and was a lovely send off with his ashes at the beach. 🩵🩵🐾🐾🦮
Donna, that made me laugh — straight to the Dozer photos before the recipes! I’m glad he’s in the book for you to visit anytime. 🐾 – N x
Dozers footprint will be on your heart forever,thanks for sharing
Joyce, that’s a lovely way to put it. His footprint will always be there. Thank you. ❤️ – N x
Thank you for sharing Dozers life with us all. I joined RecipeTin because of Dozer, then I discovered you do recipes!!
I have loved reading about him as I lost my beautiful boy and I never realised how much we could love a dog until he was gone. That was 14 years ago and I have never had another dog. Good to hear you are slowly getting back to normal, don’t ever change, you light up our lives !
Sue, I love that you joined because of Dozer and stayed for the recipes! Fourteen years just shows how much they stay in our hearts. Thank you for the kind words. 🐾 – N x
Glad to hear that you are having better days since beloved dozers passing.
Would really love to trial this recipe with a lentil replacement for the meat, as it’s looks delicious…would you suggest French lentils .
Julie, French lentils could work well, I think! Not regular brown lentils though, I think they will get mushy. Cook them first, then use them in place of the meat with the spices. It’ll be different, but still very tasty. 😊 – N x
Thanks for being so open and honest, Nagi. I’m glad to know that the support has been helpful. On the flip side, your taking us on the journey has been more helpful than you’ll ever know for those of us who have a similar journey on the horizon. Thank you!!
Doug, that’s really kind of you to say. If sharing this helps even a little for others facing the same road, that means a lot. – N x
Oh Nagi, I don’t even have a dog and yet I still get teary when I read your beautiful posts about your special boy Dozer 🐾 💕 Thank you for being so honest and raw about your emotions.
Maria, that’s very sweet of you to say. Dozer had a way of getting to people, even those who weren’t dog people! 🐾 – N x
Aside from your amazing recipes I Absolutely love your stories about beautiful Dozer . You had a bond with him as I had with my Charlie boy. What keeps me going is that I know that one day we will be together again in another beautiful life .❤️ rest assured Dozer is living his best life and can’t wait to see you again . Woof woof 🌈
Cath, Charlie boy sounds very loved. I like the thought of them all running around somewhere having a great time. 🌈🐾 – N x
What a sweet tribute to Dozer!
Thank you Karen ❤️
What a beautiful farewell.
Thanks Joy ❤️
That’s an amazing boop! Please don’t ever stop sharing Dozer….I’ll never get tired of hearing about him.
What a beautiful send off for such a special boy…sending big love and hugs 🤗 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾❤️❤️
Lizzy, that really was a top-tier boop! Don’t worry, Dozer stories will keep popping up here and there. 😊🐾 – N x
there will come a time, not soon, when you will be ready for a new puppy to give it the gorgeous life you gave Dozer. Don’t feel disloyal. It will be Dozer letting you know you are ready. Keep well.
Yes I agree too
Deanne, when my Brownie died I couldn’t be without a pup and within a month of losing her I got my springer spaniel, Riley. Riley is black and white, but one day I took him to a meeting with me, and a friend said, “Riley has a brown spot on his head.” Sure enough! It’s still there 15 years later. I tell people Brownie OKed him by giving him a kiss on the head.
Janet, that’s such a lovely way to think about it — Brownie giving Riley a little kiss of approval. What a beautiful story. 🐾 – N x
Thank you, Deanna. One day maybe… but for now I’m just holding onto the memories of my boy. – N x ❤️
We miss Dozer as much as you do.
Still shedding tears with and for you.
Having lost our beloved cat a few years back, the pain is still as sharp as though it was yesterday.
May, I’m so sorry about your cat. It really does stay with us. Thank you for remembering Dozer with me. ❤️ – N x
Awesome and also tears feel at the memory of Dozer. xx
thank you Halina 🙂 – N x