Turkish Pilaf with Tomato ๐
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
This Turkish Pilaf with Tomato is a delightful dish, featuring the subtle flavors of tomato juice and the optional hint of cinnamon. What sets this pilaf apart is the traditional Turkish technique of handkerchief steaming, infusing the rice with unparalleled texture and aroma. While the cook time is extended due to the steaming process, the result is well worth the wait. This recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks, offering a healthy and flavorful option that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup basmati rice
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup tomato juice
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 214.9
- Fat: 3.2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.9g
- Cholesterol: 7.6mg
- Sodium: 910.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 42.1g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 4.4g
- Protein: 4.2g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Place the long-grain rice and basmati rice in a small bowl. Pour boiling water over the rice, ensuring it’s fully covered. Set aside until the water cools. Once cooled, drain the rice, rinse with cold water, and drain again. This step helps remove excess starch for fluffy rice. |
| 2. | In a heavy saucepan, bring the unsalted butter, tomato juice, salt to taste, and the optional cinnamon stick to a boil. Stir well to combine the ingredients. |
| 3. | Once the mixture reaches a boil, add the drained rice to the saucepan. Stir to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the tomato mixture. Cover the saucepan with a lid and allow it to boil for 2 minutes. |
| 4. | After 2 minutes, reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer until all the liquid is absorbed. This should take approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the rice to prevent burning. |
| 5. | Once the liquid is fully absorbed, turn off the heat. Here comes the authentic Turkish touch: cover the pan with a clean handkerchief or kitchen towel. Then, replace the lid securely over the handkerchief. Let the rice rest for 30 minutes. This steaming process allows the flavors to meld and the rice to achieve the perfect texture. |
| 6. | After 30 minutes, remove the lid and handkerchief. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Your Turkish Pilaf with Tomato is now ready to serve! |
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the pilaf as a side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or kebabs for a complete Turkish meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a burst of color and flavor.
- Pair with a refreshing salad and some yogurt-based sauces for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your flavorful journey to Turkey with this delightful pilaf recipe! ๐น๐ท
