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There are a ton of different pilafs from a ton of countries – and most of them rely on method and a few aromatics, maybe a handful of herbs and a few spices.  Most don’t take but a minute or two more time than a boxed version - Turkish Rice Pilaf will take about 25 minutes.

Yogurt Marinated Shish Kebabs with Turkish Rice Pilaf and Bell Pepper Tomato Salad

As is so often the case, I didn’t think to snap a photo – but you can see it peeping out behind the Yogurt Marinated Shish Kebabs.  It’s beautifully light and fluffy.

Speaking of boxed rice, I’m not sure why so many boxed rices are so popular – their flavors are odd and they usually cost a LOT more than buying your rice and doctoring it up.  This is a simple pilaf – made to go with Yogurt Marinated Shish Kebabs - I didn’t want any additional flavors to compete with the rest of the meal – but take a look at Put Your Own Spin on It, below for some additional ideas.

This Turkish style pilaf has a light, fluffy texture that comes from the method – have a clean kitchen towel ready (something that for some reason always seems to be in short supply at my house – thanks, Son, for always using my towels for some nefarious purpose of your own!  That’s what rags are for!) and be sure to rinse your rice.

Turkish Pilaf, serves 4, cost 10 cents

  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt to taste

Rinse rice in cold water several times, strain.  Heat oil in saucepan, add drained rice and saute until rice is very slighty browned.  Add water or broth, bring to a simmer.  Cover and simmer 15 minutes.  Remove from heat and place a clean towel over the pan, then replace the lid.  Let sit for 10 minutes.

Money and Time Saving Strategies:

For pricing, remember to use your coupon matching sites for your local stores.  My favorite is Pocket Your Dollars in my area, but every store has a group of enthusiastic couponers who can point you to the best bargains.  Don’t be discouraged if your prices are higher at first – just keep shopping the best sales and follow the strategies and you’ll get there! Check under Saving on Basic Ingredients for more detailed information and storage hints – use <control f> to search each page to bring you to the item you want to check out.

  • Rice:  You’ll find coupons for rice and sales – I picked up rice for nearly a year at no cost or a few pennies a package thanks to Riceland.  If I have to pay, I’ll look for a smaller package that’s covered by the price of the coupon, or if I have no coupon, I’ll buy the larger bags.  Look it the various sections of your store – Asian, Indian, Mexican and see if the price per pound is less. Rice is generally less in the fall.  Cost 8 cents.
  • Olive Oil – combine sales and coupons – you’ll find coupons on the manufacturer’s sites, coupon matching sites and often on pasta – and coupons for pasta are sometimes on the olive oil.  I look for a price of about 8 cents per ounce.  Cost 8 cents.

Nutrition:  Cal 205, cal from fat 32, % from fat 16%; tot fat 3.66g; sat fat .54g; chol 0; sod 4.11mg; tot carb 39g; fib 0g; sug 0g; prot 3.22g

Put Your Own Spin on It:

  • You could certainly add aromatics to this – onion sautéed before the rice is added, some green pepper or chives at the end.
  • You could add in slivered almonds, finely diced apricots or whatever suits your fancy.
  • This could be spiced with your favorites – turmeric, a little cayenne.
  • Vary the broth for different flavors.

Turkish Rice Pilaf made May, 2012.

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