Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make rice dish? Check out our Turkish rice recipe! Experience the flavors of Turkey with this delicious Turkish Rice recipe!
Turkish Rice
Turkish cuisine has many rice dishes, and one of the most popular is Turkish pilaf, also known as “pilav” in Turkish. This dish is a staple in Turkish households and is often served as a side dish to accompany meat, chicken or vegetables.
To make Turkish pilaf, rice is first washed and soaked in water for about 30 minutes. Then, it is cooked in butter or oil until it starts to turn translucent. After that, hot water or chicken broth is added to the pot along with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs, such as cinnamon, cumin, or bay leaves. The rice is then cooked on low heat until it is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
Turkish pilaf can be served plain, or it can be mixed with ingredients like chopped vegetables, nuts, or dried fruits to create a more flavorful and colorful dish. One popular variation is “pilav üstü döner,” which is a dish of pilaf topped with thinly sliced lamb meat cooked on a rotating spit.
Another popular rice dish in Turkish cuisine is “köfteli pilav,” which is rice mixed with small meatballs made from ground beef or lamb, onions, and spices. The meatballs are fried until golden brown and then mixed with the rice, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.
Whether it’s served plain or mixed with other ingredients, Turkish rice dishes are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal.
What is Turkish rice made of?
Turkish rice, also known as pilaf or pilav, is a staple dish in Turkish cuisine. It is typically made with white rice that is cooked with broth or water and seasoned with various herbs and spices. The most common ingredients used to make Turkish rice include:
- Rice: Turkish rice is usually made with long-grain white rice, which is rinsed before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Butter or oil: Butter or oil is used to sauté the rice and add flavor and richness.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Broth is used to cook the rice and add flavor. Chicken broth is most commonly used, but vegetable broth can also be used for a vegetarian version.
- Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are added to taste.
Turkish rice can be served as a side dish or as a base for stews, kebabs, and other main dishes. It is a versatile and flavorful dish that is loved by many.
What to add to rice to make it taste better?
There are many ways to add flavor and make rice taste better. Here are some suggestions:
- Use broth or stock instead of water when cooking rice. This will add depth and complexity of flavor to the rice.
- Add aromatics such as garlic, onion, ginger, or herbs like thyme, rosemary or bay leaf to the rice while cooking.
- Add a teaspoon of olive oil, butter or coconut oil to the rice while cooking for added richness and flavor.
- Toast the rice in a dry pan before adding the liquid to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder or curry powder to the rice while cooking.
- Add vegetables such as peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers to the rice while cooking for added texture and nutrition.
- Add a splash of soy sauce, fish sauce, or Worcestershire sauce to the rice for a savory umami taste.
- Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice over the cooked rice to add a bright citrus flavor.
- Add nuts like almonds, cashews, or peanuts to the rice for added crunch and flavor.
- Mix in some cheese like parmesan, feta or cheddar for a creamy and savory flavor.
How to make rice extra tasty?
- Enhance with Aromatic Herbs and Spices: Elevate your rice’s flavor profile by infusing it with aromatic herbs and spices. Consider sautéing rice in fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, or cinnamon before cooking. You can also toss in fresh herbs like chopped cilantro, basil, or thyme during the cooking process for a burst of natural aromatics.
- Embrace Broths and Bouillons: Swap plain water for flavorful broths or bouillons to cook your rice. This simple switch adds depth and complexity to the grains. Whether it’s vegetable, chicken, or beef broth, the result is a rice dish with an inviting savory undertone.
- Stir in Savory Sauces: Elevate your rice’s taste by stirring in savory sauces like soy sauce, teriyaki, or even a touch of hot sauce. These sauces infuse your rice with a satisfying umami kick and can be paired with a variety of ingredients for a fusion of flavors.
- Incorporate Nutty Delights: Amp up the flavor and texture by incorporating nuts like toasted almonds, cashews, or pine nuts. These additions provide a delightful crunch and impart a subtle nutty richness to your rice dish.
- Sautéed Onions and Garlic Magic: Begin your rice preparation by sautéing finely chopped onions and garlic. The caramelized sweetness of onions and the aromatic allure of garlic create a flavorful foundation that transforms plain rice into a mouthwatering delight.
- Experiment with Citrus Zest: A hint of citrus zest, whether from lemons, limes, or oranges, can bring a refreshing and tangy twist to your rice. Grate a small amount of zest into the rice before cooking for a burst of bright and zesty flavor.
- Infuse with Coconut Milk: For a tropical touch, cook your rice with coconut milk. The creamy richness of coconut milk imparts a luxurious texture and imparts a subtle, yet enticing, flavor reminiscent of exotic cuisines.
- Add Vibrant Veggies: Mix in a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, peas, carrots, or corn. The natural sweetness and vibrant hues of these veggies not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to a flavorful and nutritious rice dish.
Best Turkish Rice Recipe
Servings: 4 Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Calories: 258 Fat: 7.6g
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in cold water and drain well. Set aside.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir well. Cook for a few minutes until the pasta turns golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir until combined with the orzo pasta and onion.
- Pour in the broth and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- If desired, sprinkle some dried thyme over the pilaf before serving. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 258
- Total Fat: 7.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 313 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41.7 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.9 g
- Sugars: 0.4 g
- Protein: 4.4 g
More delicious Recipes:
Would you like to join our Pinterest page, where many delicious and simple recipes are shared every day?
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in cold water and drain well. Set aside.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir well. Cook for a few minutes until the pasta turns golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir until combined with the orzo pasta and onion.
- Pour in the broth and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- If desired, sprinkle some dried thyme over the pilaf before serving. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
If you like our recipe, would you please support us by sharing it?
