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
Allergen information: may contain gluten and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
- 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
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
Melt the butter in a medium-sized pot or saucepan over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 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
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
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
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
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
Remove the lid, fluff the pilav gently with a fork, and serve hot.
Keep it good
Store leftover pilav in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water, stirring occasionally.