From Turkey to your kitchen: learn how to make a genuine Pilaf

If you are looking for a new way to prepare rice, thanks to the ancient Turkish cuisine you’ll have the opportunity to prepare a delicious dish to please your family. Making a Pilaf is very simple, since you don’t need to have many ingredients, or be a great chef to get this preparation done and surprise your family.

A different way to enjoy rice

Pilaf rice, also known as pilaw, polow and pilau, is a culinary preparation typical of Turkey, although it is also popular in Persian and Hindu cuisine. The real Turkish Pilaf is prepared with Baldo type rice, however, you can use Arborio type, like https://riceselect.com/product/arborio, and get similar results.

The popularity of this rice came from the Persians, who prepared the Pilaf in several different ways. This caught the attention of the cooks of the Ottoman palace, who took them to their kitchens. The pilaf seasoned with currants and pine nuts has survived to the present days, and it is a very aromatic dish characterized by the variety of spices used, usually combined with vegetables, legumes and meat.

Over the years it has gone through several changes, so it is possible to find a wide variety of pilaf recipes today. Some of them only use fat and water for cooking, others add vegetables or any kind of beans, depending on the taste of each cook. With Pilaf rice, Turkish cuisine shows that it is possible to prepare delicious recipes with a few ingredients, so if you are not an expert in the kitchen, and still seek to achieve an incredible result, this preparation is ideal.

How to prepare a good Pilaf?

Preparing a Turkish style rice is not that complicated, you just need to have some easy ingredients readily available in stores, and follow several simple steps to get a delicious dish.

Ingredients

1.5 cup Baldo or Arborio rice, any option is good.
Three tablespoons of orzo.
Three cups of chicken stock or water.
A teaspoon of salt.
4 spoonfuls of butter.

Method of preparation.

First you have to boil the chicken broth or water. You can buy chicken stock at the store, although a homemade broth is recommended for better results.
Take the rice and strain it, you must wash it with enough cold water until it comes out clear. When you wash the rice, you get rid of the starch, which makes it sticky while cooking. Don’t forget to drain the water well.
In a nonstick medium-sized skillet, melt the butter at medium heat.
Add the orzo and sauté over medium heat until it acquires a slight golden tone. Stir constantly so that it browns evenly, but be very careful not to burn the orzo, since its grains brown very quickly.
Add rice to skillet and sauté until excess water evaporates. 3 to 4 minutes will be enough.
Add two cups of broth to the pan and salt to taste.
Reduce heat, cover and let the rice cook for about 12 minutes. Don’t open the lid during that period of time.
Then turn the heat off. Since it’s important to absorb the excess moisture, you’ll need to put a paper towel under the lid.
Let it stand for half an hour. This will allow the rice continue to cook gently, and will absorb the remaining moisture in the pan.
After about 30 minutes, you’ll have the rice ready to serve.

How is the rice served?

Pilaf rice is a very versatile preparation, so it is served for any meal you serve at your home table. You can use Turkish or Middle Eastern style stews, or serve with roasted meat, even with hot dishes based on vegetables or legumes. If you are a vegetarian, this rice is an excellent companion for legumes and vegetables, so you can enjoy a complete, nutritious meal.

Thanks to the Turkish traditional cuisine you can enjoy a tasty rice dish to enjoy at home, easy to prepare, and with an incredible aroma. So if you want to surprise your family or friends, hassle-free and without too much effort in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you.