Pule me Oriz me Piperka të Kuqe
Albanian Roasted Red Pepper Rice Pilaf
A flavorful and aromatic rice pilaf infused with the sweetness of roasted red peppers and a hint of paprika. This dish is a comforting and versatile side that can accompany various main courses.

🧂 Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.5 cup Leeks(thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(finely diced)
- 1 cup Arborio rice(washed)
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Roasted red peppers(diced)
- 0.25 tsp Smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(finely diced)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add leeks and sauté for 3 minutes until golden brown.
- 2
Add diced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- 3
Add the washed Arborio rice and sauté for another minute, stirring continuously.
- 4
Pour in the water, add diced roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together and bring to a boil.
- 5
Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
- 6
Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using Arborio rice gives the pilaf a creamy texture similar to risotto.
- ✓Ensure your roasted red peppers are well-drained before adding them to the pilaf.
- ✓Adjust the amount of paprika to your preference for smokiness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of toasted slivered almonds for crunch.
- Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for extra richness.