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Turkish Rice Pilaf with Orzo Recipe

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3.9 from 37 reviews

Turkish Rice Pilaf with Orzo is a flavorful and aromatic side dish combining tender basmati rice and golden toasted orzo pasta, cooked to perfection in a savory vegetable or chicken broth. This traditional pilaf offers a delightful texture and nutty flavor, perfectly complementing a variety of main dishes or dips.

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Rice and Pasta

  • 1 ½ cups blado rice or short grain basmati rice
  • ⅓ cup orzo pasta (risoni)

Liquids and Seasoning

  • 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly about 4-5 times under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch for better texture.
  2. Soak the Rice: Soak the washed rice in a bowl of water for 20-30 minutes; this step is optional but recommended to enhance the fluffiness of the cooked rice. Drain the rice before cooking.
  3. Toast the Orzo: In a medium non-stick pot, heat the olive oil over low to medium heat. Add the orzo pasta and sauté continuously for a few minutes until the orzo turns a beautiful golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  4. Add the Rice: Stir in the drained rice with the toasted orzo, increase heat to medium, and sauté the mixture together for about 3 minutes to combine flavors.
  5. Add Liquids and Season: Pour in the vegetable broth and water, add a pinch of salt and black pepper, and stir. Bring the mixture to a light boil.
  6. Simmer the Pilaf: Once small bubbles start to appear and the liquid is simmering, cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 12 minutes until the rice is tender.
  7. Steam the Rice: After 12 minutes, remove the lid and check the rice for doneness. If cooked, place a clean kitchen towel or paper towel over the pot, cover again with the lid, and let the rice steam off the heat for 5-10 minutes. If still undercooked, add 2 tablespoons of water or broth and cook for a few more minutes.
  8. Fluff and Serve: Remove the lid and towel carefully, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and serve warm alongside your favorite protein, falafel, or yogurt dips like cacik.

Notes

  • Washing the rice multiple times is crucial to achieve a non-sticky, fluffy pilaf texture.
  • Soaking the rice is optional but helps in even cooking and softer texture.
  • Toast the orzo carefully as it can burn quickly; stirring constantly is important.
  • The steaming step after cooking enhances the fluffiness and separates the grains.
  • Adjust liquid amounts slightly based on rice type and personal texture preference.
  • This pilaf pairs excellently with grilled meats, falafel, or cucumber yogurt dips.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Turkish
  • Diet: Halal

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/turkish-rice-pilaf-with-orzo-recipe/