Turkish Pilaf With Tomato Recipes

PILAF WITH TOMATO TURKISH-STYLE (DOMATESLI PILAV)

Steps:

• Drain the rice in a fine mesh strainer for 1 full minute under cold water. Set aside to drain. This is best done first thing in the early part of the day.
• Grate the tomato into a glass measuring cup. I used a cheese grater and grated the toms down to their skin, then discarded.
• Add enough water to the tomato to equal 2 cups.
• Pour the mixture into a medium sized pot; add the butter and salt.
• Bring to boil and stir in the rice.
• Cover and cook on low heat. This will take about 15-20 minutes. If for some reason the rice starts to dry out, add about 1/4 cup more water and cook an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with *fresh* parsley. This side dish works well and is a perfect accompaniment to a heavily seasoned/more intensely flavored main dish because the flavors won't compete.

TOMATO RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a small Dutch oven or large saucepan, add the onions, and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, or until translucent but not brown.
• Stir in the rice and 2 teaspoons of salt and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
• Add the hot stock and the saffron and cook, covered, over the lowest heat for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
• Optional, transfer the rice to a baking dish, add the stock and bake at 350 F for 50-60 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
• Meanwhile, in a medium sauté pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add the garlic, and cook over low heat for 50 seconds. Add the drained diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring from time to time. When the rice is done, add the tomato mixture, 3/4 teaspoon salt, the pepper, parsley, and Parmesan, Stir with a fork, season to taste, and serve hot.