Best 3 Lebanese Rice Pilaf Recipes
**Lebanese Rice Pilaf: A Journey of Flavors and Aromas**
Discover the tantalizing world of Lebanese rice pilaf, a dish that has captivated taste buds for centuries. This culinary masterpiece is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas, combining fragrant rice, aromatic spices, and succulent ingredients. Embark on a culinary adventure as we unveil the secrets behind this beloved Middle Eastern delicacy. From the classic vermicelli rice pilaf to the hearty chicken and rice pilaf, each recipe promises an explosion of flavors and a delightful dining experience. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Lebanon.
LEBANESE RESTAURANT RICE PILAF
Took me three tries but I finally nailed a restaurant style Lebanese rice pilaf. Nothing I tried online came close to this and I guess the secret is the right kind of rice, the right rice/water ratio and of course, plenty of butter and oil! Find yourself a good Lebanese yogurt marinade, grill some meats, and get a hold of some hummus. If you're from Southeast Michigan or anywhere else with a large Middle Eastern population, you will feel like you're eating at your favorite place! Trust me.
Provided by NELLYDESIGN
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes Pilaf
Time 55m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Soak rice in a bowl of water for 10 minutes; drain and rinse until the water runs clear.
- Heat 1/4 cup butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil together in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir orzo until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add drained rice and increase heat to medium-high. Cook and stir orzo-rice mixture until rice is coated in butter-oil mixture and starts to turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Pour water over rice mixture and season with salt; stir and bring to a boil. Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer until rice is fluffy and tender yet firm, about 20 minutes.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat; cook and stir almonds until toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add remaining butter and stir in tahini until almonds are evenly coated. Mix almond mixture into rice mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 202.6 calories, Carbohydrate 18 g, Cholesterol 20.3 mg, Fat 13.4 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.7 g, Sodium 641.1 mg, Sugar 0.4 g
LEBANESE LENTIL-AND-RICE PILAF WITH BLACKENED ONIONS
Categories Onion Rice Side Sauté Vegetarian Yogurt Ramadan Spice Lentil Fall Healthy Simmer Bon Appétit Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and next 4 ingredients; sauté until onion softens, about 4 minutes. Add broth and lentils; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Stir in rice; return to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook until liquid is absorbed and rice and lentils are tender, about 15 minutes longer.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions; sauté until soft and beginning to blacken, about 20 minutes.
- Season pilaf to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to plates; top with blackened onions. Place tomatoes and cucumber alongside. Top pilaf with dollop of yogurt. Sprinkle with mint.
LEBANESE RICE PILAF
This is my Lebanese grandmother's recipe. You can use chicken broth in place of the water if desired.
Provided by rollersgirl
Categories Rice
Time 30m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Saute the spaghetti in the clarified butter or olive oil until light brown. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, then add the boiling water. Stir and allow to come back to a boil. Cover, turn the heat to low, and simmer until the rice is cooked, about 20 minutes.
- Uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Place in a serving dish and top with the pine nuts and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 458.1, Fat 13.6, SaturatedFat 5.1, Cholesterol 19.1, Sodium 884.9, Carbohydrate 75.1, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 0.4, Protein 7.8
Tips: Achieving Perfect Lebanese Rice Pilaf
- Choosing the Right Rice: Select long-grain rice explicitly for pilaf, like basmati or jasmine, which ensures fluffy and separate results. Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to eliminate starch and prevent clumping.
- Toasting the Rice: Don't skip toasting the rice in hot oil or butter before adding liquid. This enhances the nutty flavor and gives the rice a golden hue, adding depth to the dish.
- Using Aromatics: Elevate the pilaf with aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and toasted nuts (such as pine nuts or slivered almonds). Sautéing them in oil before adding the rice releases their flavors and adds texture.
- Measuring Liquid Accurately: Precisely measure the liquid (be it water, broth, or a combination) to achieve the ideal rice-to-liquid ratio. Generally, a 1:2 ratio (1 cup of rice to 2 cups of liquid) yields fluffy, well-separated rice.
- Cooking Technique: Bring the liquid to a boil before adding the rice, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. Avoid stirring during cooking, as this can break the rice grains. Once all the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Seasoning: Infuse the pilaf with Lebanese spices like ground cumin, coriander, and cardamom. You can also add herbs like fresh parsley or mint for a refreshing touch.
Conclusion: A Versatile and Flavorful Culinary Delight
Lebanese rice pilaf is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. With its aromatic blend of spices, toasted nuts, and fluffy rice, this dish transports you to the vibrant streets of Beirut. Whether served as a main course, a side dish, or a bed for stews and grilled meats, Lebanese rice pilaf promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Its versatility extends to its adaptability with various ingredients, making it a delightful addition to any menu. Embrace this authentic Lebanese recipe and experience the symphony of flavors that make this dish a beloved favorite worldwide.
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