Türk Pilavı
Turkish Rice Pilaf
A classic Turkish rice pilaf, known as 'pilav', is a buttery, fragrant rice dish cooked to fluffy perfection. It's a staple accompaniment to many Turkish meals, prized for its delicate texture and rich flavor. This recipe focuses on achieving separate, tender grains of rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Short or medium-grain rice (like Baldo or Arborio)
- 60 g Unsalted butter(Approximately 4 tablespoons)
- 3 cups Chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste, adjust based on stock saltiness)
- 1 pinch Optional: A pinch of sugar(Helps with browning and texture)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, crucial for separate grains. Then, soak the rinsed rice in a bowl of lukewarm water for 30 minutes. Drain thoroughly just before cooking.
⏱️ 35 minutes (30 min soak + 5 min prep) - 2
Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add the drained rice and optional pinch of sugar. Stir and 'toast' the rice in the butter for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. The grains should become slightly translucent and smell nutty. Be careful not to brown the rice.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Pour the hot stock into the pot with the toasted rice. Add the salt. Stir once to combine. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. Cover the pot tightly with a lid (you can place a clean kitchen towel under the lid to absorb excess steam and ensure a tight seal). Simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 4
Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat, keeping the lid on. Let the pilaf rest undisturbed for at least 10 minutes. This allows the steam to redistribute and the grains to firm up. After resting, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rinsing and soaking are key steps to ensure each grain of rice cooks separately and remains distinct.
- ✓Allowing the pilaf to rest after cooking is essential for achieving the perfect fluffy texture.
- ✓This pilaf is a foundational dish in Turkish cuisine, serving as a versatile base for many meals.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add 'Arpa Şehriye' (Turkish orzo) to the rice in Step 2 and toast it along with the rice for a classic variation.
- Stir in a can of drained chickpeas with the stock in Step 3 for added protein and texture.