Turkish Rice-a-Roni

Name: Turkish Rice-a-Roni
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Istanbul & Anatolian Heart
Ingredients: 3 tbsp butter; 1 cup long grain basmati rice; 0.5 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 0.5 cup leeks; 1 cinnamon stick; 0.25 tsp ground allspice; 1 medium tomatoes; 3 cup vegetable broth; 1 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp slivered almonds; 3 tbsp raisins; 2 tbsp dried apricots; 2 tbsp fresh parsley; 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves; salt; fresh cracked black pepper

Basmati rice, orzo pasta and leeks come together in this side dish, fragrant with cinnamon and allspice and simmered on the stove.

35 min · Serves 4 · Medium

Method

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Time: Prep 15 min · Cook 20 min · 35 min total
Difficulty: medium

1
Heat up 3 tablespoons of butter on medium heat until the butter smells nutty but NOT burnt.
2
Sautè the rice with the orzo, leek (or onion), cinnamon stick and allspice until rice grains and pasta glisten and are lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
5 min
3
Stir in the tomato and broth; bring to a boil. Lower heat to simmer, cover and cook for 18-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
20 min
4
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on low-medium heat and lightly toast the almonds.
5
Stir in the raisins and dried apricots, stirring until dried fruit is very slightly plump. This will only take a minute.
6
Set the almond/dried fruit mixture aside. Once the rice is done cooking, stir in the almond/dried fruit, parsley and mint.
7
Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove cinnamon stick before serving.