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Forkin
Side Dish

Tereyagli Pilav (Turkish Buttered Rice)

This classic Turkish rice pilaf is incredibly simple yet full of flavor. Toasted orzo pasta adds a subtle nutty depth and texture to fluffy, buttery rice, making it a perfect accompaniment to almost any meal. It's a staple side dish in Turkish cuisine.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
40 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
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Vegetarian

Allergen information: may contain gluten and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Tereyagli Pilav (Turkish Buttered Rice)

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 1.5 cuprice, rinsed
  • 0.25 cuporzo pasta
  • 3 tbspbutter
  • 3 cupwater, hot
  • 1 tspsalt

Equipment

wooden spoon or spatula · fork · medium pot

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch and helps prevent stickiness. Drain well.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Rinsing is key for fluffy pilav.

  2. 2

    Melt the butter in a medium-sized pot or saucepan over medium heat.

    About 1 min

  3. 3

    Add the orzo pasta to the melted butter and sauté, stirring constantly, until the orzo turns a golden brown color.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Watch carefully as orzo can burn quickly.

  4. 4

    Add the rinsed rice to the pot with the orzo and stir to combine. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring each grain is coated in butter and lightly toasted.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Toasting the rice adds a deeper flavor.

  5. 5

    Pour in the hot water and add the salt. Stir once to mix everything evenly.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Using hot water helps maintain a consistent cooking temperature.

  6. 6

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without stirring.

    About 15 min

    Cook’s note: Do not lift the lid during simmering to trap the steam.

  7. 7

    Once the cooking time is up, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Resting allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and become even fluffier.

  8. 8

    Remove the lid, fluff the pilav gently with a fork, and serve hot.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover pilav in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water, stirring occasionally.

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