Top Health Benefits of Chestnut & Mushroom Rice Pie You Need to Know

This hearty and aromatic dish, featuring saffron rice, chestnuts, mushrooms, and a crisp golden pastry crust, offers a unique combination of nutrients that support overall wellness. Chestnuts are rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, making them excellent for sustained energy and digestive health, while being naturally low in fat compared to other nuts. Mushrooms add a savory umami flavor along with antioxidants, B vitamins, and important minerals like selenium and copper. The saffron rice provides a comforting base, rich in simple carbs, and is subtly infused with antioxidants from the saffron. The use of olive oil or light butter adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, contributing to better cholesterol levels. While the dish is calorie-dense due to the pastry and starchy components, it contains no red meat and offers a balanced, plant-forward profile that can fit into a variety of whole-food-based diets when consumed in moderation.

Ingredients :

Basmati Rice : 3 Cup

Jasmine Rice-

Salt : as needed

Olive Oil : 3 Tablespoon

Coconut Oil- Sesame Oil- Almond Oil- Avocado Oil- Chicken Fat- Beef Tallow- Mutton Fat- Safflower Oil- Butter Oil-

Brewed / Saffron : 2 Tablespoon

Button / Mushroom : 300 g

Cooked or roasted / Chestnut : 300 g

Onion : 1 Piece

Dairy Butter : 3 Tablespoon

Pomegranate paste : 1 Tablespoon

Lemon Juice-

black pepper : to taste

turmeric : to taste

Cinnamon : to taste

Discover the magic of a golden crust hiding fragrant saffron rice and a savory chestnut-mushroom delight—this Persian-Caucasian fusion will steal the spotlight at your dinner table!

Recipe :

For 4 people

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Soak 3 cups of rice in warm salted water for at least 30 minutes, then rinse and drain.
Roast or boil 300g of chestnuts, peel them, and roughly chop.
Clean and slice 300g of mushrooms (button or portobello).
Finely chop 1 medium onion .
Soak a pinch of saffron in 3 tablespoons of warm water.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the soaked rice and cook until just tender (parboiled), about 7–10 minutes.
Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.

Step 3: Sauté the Filling

In a pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden.
Add mushrooms and cook until their moisture evaporates.
Stir in chestnuts, salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Crust

Use a round Yufka dough or phyllo sheet, about 30–35 cm in diameter.
Grease a baking dish or oven-safe bowl and line it with the pastry, letting the edges hang over.

Step 5: Layer the Rice and Filling

Mix the cooked rice with saffron water, salt, and a bit of melted butter or oil.
Place a layer of saffron rice at the bottom of the pastry shell.
Spread the chestnut-mushroom mixture evenly in the middle.
Top with the remaining rice and press gently to shape it like a dome.

Step 6: Seal and Glaze

Fold the edges of the pastry over the rice dome to seal it completely.
Brush the top with a beaten egg yolk for a golden finish.

Step 7: Bake the Pie

Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
Bake for 35–40 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool slightly before inverting it onto a serving platter.
Garnish with fresh herbs or barberries if desired.

Enjoy your aromatic and festive Chestnut & Mushroom Rice Pie!

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Chestnut & Mushroom Rice Pie

When preparing this dish, timing and texture are key to achieving a well-balanced and flavorful result. Begin by thoroughly washing and soaking the rice to ensure fluffiness and to reduce excess starch. Sauté the mushrooms gently to draw out moisture and concentrate flavor, but avoid overcooking to preserve their texture. Chestnuts should be roasted or boiled until tender and peeled carefully, as undercooked or poorly cleaned chestnuts can negatively affect both flavor and digestion. For the crust, use fresh or defrosted pastry dough and make sure it is sealed well around the rice to retain steam during baking, which helps achieve a soft, moist interior and a crispy outer shell. Preheat the oven properly and bake at the recommended temperature to avoid undercooked pastry or dried-out filling. Adding a touch of saffron steeped in warm water or broth elevates both the aroma and color of the dish, giving it a luxurious quality typical of Persian and Caucasian culinary traditions.

Nutritional Information and Diet Compatibility of Chestnut & Mushroom Rice Pie

This dish is best suited for individuals following a vegetarian, Mediterranean, or DASH diet, due to its plant-based ingredients, heart-friendly fats, and fiber-rich chestnuts. However, it is not compatible with ketogenic, paleo, or low-carb diets, as it contains high levels of carbohydrates from rice, chestnuts, and pastry crust. Those adhering to a vegan diet would need to modify the recipe by removing the egg glaze and ensuring the pastry is free of dairy or eggs. It is not gluten-free unless a gluten-free pastry is specifically used. The dish also may not be ideal for those on a low-calorie or high-protein regimen without adjustments, as it is relatively calorie-dense and moderate in protein content. For those practicing intermittent fasting, this meal could serve as a nourishing post-fast option, but should be portion-controlled due to its richness. Ultimately, while delicious and nutritious, mindful preparation and ingredient selection are necessary to align this dish with specific dietary goals.

Comments

Isabella (May 20, 2025, 10 a.m.) : This Chestnut & Mushroom Rice Pie was absolutely stunning—both in flavor and presentation! The combination of earthy mushrooms and sweet chestnuts wrapped in crispy pastry was so satisfying. The saffron-infused rice added a wonderful aroma and color.

mia (May 20, 2025, 10:02 a.m.) : It’s perfect for a holiday table or a special vegetarian centerpiece.

Scarlett (May 23, 2025, 6:43 a.m.) : This Chestnut & Mushroom Rice Pie is a stunning and aromatic centerpiece! The crispy golden crust wraps around layers of fragrant saffron rice and a savory chestnut-mushroom filling, creating a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. The saffron adds warmth and color, while the chestnuts bring a sweet earthiness. Perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy dinner—elegant, hearty, and full of comforting flavor.