Savory Turkish Pilaf
Delight your taste buds with this Savory Turkish Pilaf, a fragrant and flavorful dish that brings a touch of Mediterranean magic to your table. Featuring tender long-grain rice toasted to perfection and simmered in rich chicken or vegetable broth, this pilaf is elevated with warm, earthy spices like allspice and cinnamon. A scattering of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds adds a delightful crunch, while fresh parsley lends a burst of color and freshness. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile recipe serves as the perfect side dish for grilled meats or hearty stews, but it’s equally satisfying as a light, standalone meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this pilaf is a simple yet elegant way to bring the vibrant flavors of Turkish cuisine to your home.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice (preferably basmati or jasmine)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 cup pine nuts or slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the rice and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grains become slightly golden and aromatic.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the salt, ground black pepper, ground allspice, and ground cinnamon. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
While the rice is cooking, toast the pine nuts or slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Set aside.
Once the rice is done, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the toasted nuts, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it on its own as a light meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
990 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 73.2 g | 94% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.2 g | 101% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 4097 mg | 178% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 74.3 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.0 g | ||
| Protein | 14.1 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 104 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 579 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
