Introduction

In this day and age, we are blessed with many meals that are quick and easy to make. One such meal is Turkish Rice, a delicious but very simple dish. Turkey has an abundance of spices and herbs that contribute to this dish’s unique taste. What makes it so tasty is that you can use either turmeric or cumin to get the same as you can get from both; they are yellow spices that pack a lot of flavors.

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious rice recipe, look no further than Turkish Rice! So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

Ingredients And Supplies

Turkish Rice

2 cups of long-grain white rice (not parboiled)

Two tablespoons of olive oil

1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional)

1/8 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

For the garnish: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Note: You can also add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, curry powder, or ground coriander to the mixture. However, you will have to adjust the amount. Also, if you are allergic to spices, you can also omit them. It’s best to use a non-stick pan for this recipe; cast iron.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Wash the rice. It is essential to use the right kind of rice. Rice with a high starch content will need more water than a low starch content. Long-grain white rice has only 0.1% starch; hence, it does not need much water to be rinsed off.

2. Pour 2 cups of water into a pot, bring this to a boil, add the turmeric and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat (do not let the water come to a boil) or until the water is absorbed and cook over medium heat for 45 minutes or until done (taste test).

3. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, remove from heat and let the rice rest for 10 minutes.

4. Add half a cup of water, boil, add the cumin and cook for 3-5 minutes, then cover with a lid and let it rest for 10 minutes. This method results in softer rice.

5. After cooling down slightly (after resting), transfer to a mixing bowl, add half a cup of water, and beat with an electric mixer until fluffy (alternatively, you can use an immersion blender). Drizzle oil over the top of it while beating it; this will help with its absorption.

6. Add parsley to the rice and serve.

Variations On The Recipe

1. You can make this dish with meat. You can use beef, lamb, or chicken thigh meat.

2. Instead of oil, you could also use butter while mixing the rice to make it extra soft.

3. This dish is perfect when served with lamb or chicken and a side of yogurt.

4. Turkish Rice is also great as leftovers; reheat it in the microwave and serve when required.

5. You can add chopped green onion and cilantro to the dish.

6. You can also add red bell pepper and garlic to this dish for variation.

7. Turkish Rice is a feast for the eyes and palette! You could also add strands of zucchini, carrot, or even sweet potato slices to your rice.

8 . This dish tastes great when served with a side of yogurt drizzled with honey or ground cinnamon (or any other spices you have on hand).

Tips For Making Turkish Rice Even Better

1. It is best to use long-grain white rice for this recipe. It cooks quickly, is fluffier, and holds its shape better than any other rice.

2. This dish tastes so good because of the oil; it creates a crispy texture and adds a lot of flavors. You can also use butter instead if you have low cholesterol or are dairy intolerant.

3. You can add some cumin powder, turmeric powder, and chopped onions while making this dish; this will enhance the taste even more.

4. Turkish rice tastes great with a mild yogurt or another side dish.

5. If you are not up for rice, you can use this rice mixture to stuff peppers and bake them too.

6. For various colors and flavors, try using brown rice with the same amount of water to cook for an hour and a half on high heat.

7. This dish is an excellent option for those who follow gluten-free diets.

8. If you are in a hurry and want your meal ready in less than 45 minutes, pour all the ingredients into a pressure cooker and cook it for 5-7 minutes, then turn off the flame and let it rest for 10 -15 minutes.

9. You can also serve Turkish Rice as a dish with curries.

10. This recipe is so simple that you can quickly make it in your dorm room or at your friend’s place when you are having a party!

Conclusion

Turkish rice is a delicious dish that you can make quickly. You can serve it with chicken, lamb, or another side dish. It is also an excellent option for those who follow gluten-free diets. It has all the goodness of a healthy meal, so try it out today!