Savory Turkish Pilaf Recipes

MIDDLE EASTERN RICE WITH RAISINS

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a pan. Add in 2 tablespoons of pine nuts and onions. Cook until onions become translucent.
• Add in rice, salt, sugar, cinnamon, allspice and raisins. Cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
• Pour 1 and 1/2 cups hot water and let it cook covered over medium heat until it boils.
• Bring the heat to the lowest when it starts to boil and let it simmer until the rice is soft and all the water is gone.
• When there isn't any water left in the pan, remove from the heat. Uncover, put a paper towel on the top and put the lid back. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. Uncover and add parsley. Give it a gentle stir.
• For the optional topping, put pine nuts in a pan in a single layer without adding oil. Toast until golden brown.
• Serve the rice with toasted pine nuts on the top.

TURKISH SHRIMP PILAF

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large nonstick fry pan.
• Fry the onion, peppers and garlic over low heat for 10 minutes until softened but not browned.
• Add the rice, spices and mint or basil.
• Stir over the heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then add enough water to cover the rice.
• Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer, uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until rice is just tender, but still has a little bite to it.
• Add the shrimp, currants and a little salt and pepper to taste.
• Cook for about 4 minutes more, until the shrimp are heated through, then add the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
• Serve pilaf warm or cold with salad greens.

TURKISH PILAF

Steps:

• In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the green pepper and mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients, stirring until blended. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated.

TURKISH PILAF WITH TOMATO

Steps:

• Place the rice and salt in a small bowl and pour in boiling water to cover; set aside until water cools; drain, wash with cold water and drain again.
• Bring butter, tomato juice, salt to taste and optional cinnamon stick if desired, to boil in a heavy saucepan; add rice, stir, cover and boil for 2 minutes.
• Lower heat and simmer rice until all the liquid is absorbed; turn off the heat, cover the pan with a clean handkerchief or kitchen towel, replace the cover and set aside for 30 minutes before serving.

TURKISH PILAF WITH VERMICELLI (SEHRIYELI PILAV)

Steps:

• Wash the rice several times with warm water and drain. Cover the rice with warm water and leave it for 15-20 minutes and drain. If you do not have time for this, just wash the rice and then drain.
• Place the butter and oil in a saucepan or pot and add the vermicelli or orzo. Over low-heat, fry until their color starts changing to golden brown. Do not over fry, take the pot from the stove as soon as you see the golden brown color and add the rice. Then, again place the pot on the stove and stir for 3-4 minutes over medium heat.
• Finally, add the hot chicken stock / water (If you leave the rice in water before cooking, use 1 ½ cup hot water otherwise use 2 cups). Add the salt and close the lid and cook over low heat, until the rice absorbs all the water. Meanwhile you can stir once or twice.
• Let the pilaf stand for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Pilaf goes well with any kind of dish.
• P.S: You can also add 1 tsp of lemon juice with the water, to make the pilaf shine.