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A white bowl filled with seasoned Turkish rice, garnished with caramelized onions and fresh parsley, placed on a wooden surface.
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5 from 2 votes

Turkish Rice

This Turkish rice recipe comes together in 1 pot with orzo, dried herbs, and pepper paste for cozy, midweek comfort that your whole fam will adore the heck out of.
Prep Time4 minutes
Cook Time17 minutes
Steaming Time10 minutes
Total Time31 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Sides
Cuisine: Turkish
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 7 Cups
Calories: 177kcal
Author: Adam Sobel
Cost: $4

Ingredients

Optional Garnishes:

Instructions

  • Submerge the rice in a bowl of cool water and squeeze it in your hands to release starch.
  • Drain and rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cool water until the water runs clear. Let it drain and dry for a few minutes.
  • Set a wide pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. After 90 seconds, when the oil is hot, add the minced onion and orzo. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until the onion is fragrant and the orzo is very lightly browned
  • Add the rice, dried mint, ground coriander, and pepper paste. Stir to coat the rice evenly.
  • Pour in the vegetable stock or water and add the salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Once boiling, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 17 minutes without lifting the lid.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Uncover and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
  • If using garnishes, top with fried onions and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

🔥 To Be Orzo Not To Be: 
Toasting the orzo brings depth—aim for golden, not burnt. Stir nonstop and trust your eyes (and nose).
💦 Starch Trek: 
Rinse until the water runs clear. No one wants clingy, clumpy rice that sucks…
☝️ Nice TryLiddy: 
Put the lid on and Step. Away. From. The. Pot! Don’t peek and let out the precious steam your rice needs to cook right.

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 273mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg