Turkish-inspired Fragrant Rice Pilaf

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 3 cups (710ml) vegetable broth 3 cups (710ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, and saffron threads to the saucepan. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
4. 4.
   Add the rinsed basmati rice to the saucepan and stir to combine with the spices and onions.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. 6.
   Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
7. 7.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. 8.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and color of saffron, soak the threads in a tablespoon of warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sauté the rice in butter before adding the spices and onions.
• To make the pilaf more colorful, you can add a handful of peas or diced carrots during the cooking process.
• If you prefer a stronger saffron flavor, you can increase the amount of saffron threads used.
• For a nutty twist, you can add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds as a garnish.
• Leftover pilaf can be transformed into a delicious rice salad by adding chopped vegetables, herbs, and a simple vinaigrette dressing.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish-inspired fragrant rice pilaf as a side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a mezze platter. It pairs well with yogurt-based sauces or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to showcase its light and fluffy texture. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color. Serve the pilaf in a decorative serving dish or individual bowls for an elegant presentation.