Spiced Turkish Rice Currants Pinenuts Ic Pilavi Recipe

I love this Spiced Turkish Rice recipe because it effortlessly transforms simple pantry staples into a fragrant and flavorful dish, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy solo dinner. The combination of aromatic spices, sweet currants, and crunchy pine nuts hits all the right notes and makes each bite feel like an exotic getaway.

I love making Ic Pilavi (Spiced Turkish Rice). It’s a dish rich in textures and flavors.

Long-grain white rice imbued with allspice, cinnamon, and black pepper (no, it is not just plain rice), set against the backdrop of sweet currants and luscious pine nuts. Nuts, by the way, are one of the primary food groups in Turkey, and although the original recipe calls for pine nuts, I usually use walnuts as they are more plentiful and much cheaper.

Finally, the addition of fresh parsley (another great herb) and the optional usage of dill and mint take this already rich dish to another level, making it seriously nutritious and perfect for a cold weather feel-good meal.

Ingredients

White long-grain rice: Offers carbohydrates for energy, with a fluffy texture.

Pine nuts: They are abundant in healthful fats and proteins, supplying a nutty crunch.

Sweet and full of antioxidants and vitamins, currants are dense little nuggets of nutrition.

Allspice and Cinnamon: Contribute warmth and depth, enhance flavor complexity.

Olive oil: Comprises beneficial lipids, bestowing opulence and creaminess.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons currants
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, set over medium heat, warm the olive oil.

2. Finely chop an onion and add it; then sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Combine the pine nuts and heat until they become golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes, taking care not to let them burn.

4. Incorporate the rice, drained and rinsed, the currants, allspice powder, cinnamon powder, black pepper powder, and salt into the pan. Ensure to mix everything properly so that the rice gets evenly covered with the oil and the spices. Cook this mixture for another 2 minutes.

5. Add the broth made with chicken or vegetables and heat until boiling.

6. When it reaches a boil, lower the heat to low, and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked all the way through and has soaked up all the liquid.

7. Take the pan off the heat and let it sit for yet another 5 minutes, this time covered, to allow the rice to continue steaming and reach a state of perfect fluffiness.

8. Gently fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the freshly chopped parsley, along with fresh dill and fresh mint if you’re using it.

9. Check the seasoning; add more salt or pepper if needed.

10. Warm the Spiced Turkish Rice with pine nuts and currants to serve as a tasty side dish or as part of any meal. It’s a delightful way to enjoy this dish.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Stove
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Fork
9. Ladle (optional, for serving broth)

FAQ

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?What can be used is brown rice; however, it takes longer to cook and will marginally change the flavor and texture.
• What can I use instead of pine nuts?Almonds sliced into slivers or walnuts cut into bits can stand in for pine nuts.
• Is it possible to make this dish vegan?Certainly! You can use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
• Can I omit the currants if I don’t have them?Certainly, it is permissible to leave out the currants, or you can replace them with raisins or chopped dried apricots, which will give the dish a different, but still pleasant, flavor.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep remnants of the meal in a sealed container in the fridge for no more than 3 days; warm them up before you eat them again.
• What dishes pair well with Spiced Turkish Rice?Grilled meats, stews, or a simple salad make for a balanced meal that complements this rice.
• Can I add other spices?Indeed, you can modify the spices to suit your taste, which might include adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to enhance the warmth.

Substitutions and Variations

White rice, long grain: Substitute basmati rice or jasmine rice for a slight variation in aroma and texture.
Olive oil: For a richer flavor, use butter; for a lighter option, use vegetable oil.
Currants: Replace them with raisins or chopped dried apricots for a sweet, chewy taste that is similar to currants.
Allspice: If you can’t find allspice, use a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Pine nuts: If you want a different kind of nutty flavor, substitute slivered almonds or chopped cashews for the pine nuts.

Pro Tips

1. Toasting the Rice: After adding the rice to the saucepan in step 4, let it toast for an additional 2-3 minutes. This enhances the nutty flavor of the rice and improves its texture.

2. Broth Enhancement: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of saffron to the broth before adding it to the rice. This will add a rich aroma and a subtle golden hue to the dish.

3. Nuts and Currants: To deepen the flavor of the pine nuts and currants, you can briefly toast the currants along with the nuts in step 3. This will bring out their natural sweetness and intensify their flavor.

4. Resting Time: After allowing the rice to rest covered for 5 minutes (step 7), place a clean kitchen towel under the lid while the rice sits. This absorbs excess moisture and helps achieve perfectly fluffy rice.

5. Finishing Touches: Before serving, sprinkle a bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice over the rice, along with a drizzle of olive oil. This will brighten the flavors and add a refreshing touch to the dish.