**Armenian Rice: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Culinary Delights**
Armenian rice, a beloved dish with a rich heritage, has captivated taste buds for centuries. Originating in the heart of Armenia, this culinary treasure is a symphony of flavors and aromas, reflecting the country's vibrant history and diverse culinary traditions. Embark on a gastronomic adventure as we delve into the secrets of Armenian rice, exploring its variations, unique ingredients, and the stories behind this cherished dish.
This aromatic rice dish has many variations, each with its own distinct character. From the classic Armenian rice pilaf, featuring tender rice, nutty browned butter, and fragrant spices, to the hearty rice and meat casserole known as "Harissa," Armenian rice dishes offer a range of culinary experiences. Discover the secrets of "Plov," a celebratory dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables, and explore the vegetarian delights of "Yalanchi Dolma," where rice is stuffed into grape leaves and simmered in a flavorful broth.
Armenian rice is not just a dish; it's a cultural tapestry woven with history, tradition, and family bonds. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the depths of Armenian rice, unraveling the stories behind each recipe and savoring the diverse flavors that make this dish so special.
ARMENIAN RICE PILAF WITH RAISINS AND ALMONDS
This traditional Armenian rice pilaf has been passed down through the generations of Christine Vartanian Datian's family. Peas, parsley and allspice have been added to the original for extra flavor and color.
Provided by Tara Parker-Pope
Time 45m
Yield Serves 4-6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Break or crush the vermicelli into 1-inch lengths. Add the pasta and rice to the butter and stir often until golden, about 5-8 minutes, being careful not to burn the vermicelli.
- Add the broth, allspice and salt and pepper. Bring to a full boil over high heat, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until rice is tender to bite, about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a sauté pan over medium heat, melt remaining 1 or 2 tablespoons butter. Add the almonds and stir often until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the raisins and stir until they puff, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir peas if using, parsley and lemon juice into rice. Cover and simmer until peas are hot, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour pilaf into a serving bowl or on a platter and sprinkle with the raisin and nut mixture over the top. (Diced dried dates, figs, apricots or chopped walnuts may also be used in this topping.)
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 573, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 85 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 551 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams, TransFat 0 grams
ARMENIAN RICE PILAF
This is a staple of Armenian homes and is always a favorite with everyone. Very easy to prepare and delicious with any meal, especially poultry. I serve this rice with breaded, baked chicken quarters.
Provided by 5lilblessings
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes Pilaf
Time 35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Melt butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the egg noodles and stir until they begin to brown, being careful not to burn the butter. Stir in the rice. Continue stirring until rice is coated with butter.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Cook without uncovering pot until all the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 535.4 calories, Carbohydrate 84.9 g, Cholesterol 48 mg, Fat 16.8 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 9.2 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sodium 1976.1 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
AUNTIE'S ARMENIAN RICE PILAF
Being of Armenian descent, I was raised on foods from that region of the world, and pilaf was one on which the children in my family cut their teeth. I never even knew rice was white until I was 17 years old as we always ate pilaf. My brothers and I had no grandmother to teach us, but we did have our great-aunt, our grandfather's sister, who filled that role, and passed-down the recipes from our ancestors to us, and now I prepare them for my own children. This pilaf recipe is it: just pilaf. Nothing fancy, no mushrooms, nor shallots or onions or pine nuts. It was our staple. We ate it with stroganoffs poured over the top, with grilled burgers on Saturday afternoons in the long, hot Summers in Long Island and then Southern California, with my mother's wonderful roasts on Sunday nights. It was the perfect side with Shish Kebob on Christmas day, and alongside our Thanksgiving turkey. This is the recipe for pilaf as Auntie taught us.
Provided by Rosie Posie 88
Categories Medium Grain Rice
Time 35m
Yield 4 cups, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In 2-qt. heavy saucepan with tight-fitting lid, melt butter over medium heat until foam subsides.
- Add vermicelli noodles and saute until dark and reddish in color.
- Stir in rice and saute in butter until rice is fragrant and nutty in aroma.
- Raise heat to medium-high; pour in boiling chicken broth and stir.
- Add salt and pepper, tasting a bit of the broth to ensure desired seasoning.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to keep broth at a simmer and cook for exactly 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove cover and taste a few grains of rice for doneness. If still a bit hard, replace cover and cook for two additional minutes.
- When rice is tender, remove pot from heat. Place a paper napkin directly on top of the pilaf and replace cover; let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
- After rest-time has elapsed, remove cover, discard the paper napkin, and stir the pilaf before serving.
GRANDMA'S ARMENIAN RICE PILAF
This recipe is my grandmother's. She came from Armenia and it has been in our family for years. We all still make it and it is so easy.
Provided by Michele
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes Pilaf
Time 43m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Soak rice in a bowl of water for 10 minutes. Drain.
- Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add vermicelli; cook and stir until brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add rice; cook and stir until combined, about 1 minute. Pour into boiling broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Season rice with salt and pepper; fluff with a fork.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 415.1 calories, Carbohydrate 65.9 g, Cholesterol 34.9 mg, Fat 12.7 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 7.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 964.6 mg, Sugar 1.4 g
ARMENIAN RICE PILAF
Very simple but delicious rice dish. You can add currants or nuts to make it fancy. If using canned chicken broth, use one can plus water to make the two cups.
Provided by manushag
Categories Long Grain Rice
Time 25m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oil and brown orzo.
- Add rice and stir, coating rice with oil so grains will be fluffy when cooked.
- Add chicken broth, salt and pepper. Broth should taste a little salty.
- Cover and cook slowly for 20 minutes or until all broth is absorbed. Add currants and nuts if desired.
- Add butter and stir.
ARMENIAN RICE PILAF WITH MUSHROOMS
I got this from an Armenian girl who works in my bank. If you substitute margarine for the butter you have a good vegan meal.
Provided by Mirj2338
Categories Long Grain Rice
Time 40m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a heavy saucepan or casserole, melt the butter over moderate heat.
- Add the onion, mushrooms and sliced green pepper and cook gently until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the tomato together with the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Now add the rice and the turmeric or powdered saffron, and cook 2 minutes until grains are thoroughly coated with butter but not browned, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the broth (stock), sprinkle with salt and bring to a boil, stirring.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender but still firm to the bite-- not mushy.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork.
- Spoon onto a heated serving platter, being careful not to mash it, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
ARMENIAN RICE PILAF
Steps:
- melt butter, add egg noodles and saute over medium heat until golden, stirring frequently. Add broth and rice and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low about 15-20 mins. Remove from heat, let sit for about 10 mins. Fluff with fork and serve
Tips:
- Use high-quality rice: Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine rice works best for this recipe as they remain fluffy and separate after cooking.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and makes the rice fluffy.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot: A heavy-bottomed pot distributes heat evenly, preventing the rice from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Measure the water carefully: The ratio of rice to water is crucial for perfect rice. For every cup of rice, use 1 1/2 cups of water.
- Do not stir the rice while cooking: Stirring the rice while cooking breaks the grains and makes the rice mushy. Gently shake the pot a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Let the rice rest before serving: After cooking, let the rice rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and become fluffy.
Conclusion:
Armenian Rice is a delicious and versatile dish perfect for a variety of occasions. It's a simple yet flavorful dish made with a few basic ingredients. By following the tips mentioned above, you can easily make perfect Armenian Rice at home. Serve it as a side dish with your favorite protein or vegetables, or enjoy it on its own as a light meal.
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