Receta de Elif: Arroz picante

Spicy rice pilaf is a type of pilaf prepared by adding spices such as allspice, mint, and black pepper to the rice grains, and perfectly combining sweet and savory flavors with pine nuts and raisins. Among classic pilaf recipes, it preserves the magnificent essence of Ottoman palace cuisine and is also popularly known as "inner pilaf."

This spicy rice recipe will be the star of your table. The harmonious blend of allspice, dried mint, and black pepper, the best spices for spicy rice, is complemented by the crispness of fresh dill. Of course, the gentle stir-frying process, essential for preparing spicy rice, is crucial to ensure the rice grains remain separate and not mushy.

How many calories are in spicy rice?

390 kcal

Ingredients for the spicy rice recipe

• 2 cups of rice
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 dried onion
• 1/2 teaspoon of allspice
• 2 tablespoons of pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons of raisins
• 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of dried mint
• 1/4 bunch of dill
• 3 cups of hot water
• a pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of black pepper

The secret to a spicy rice recipe

• You should wash the rice gently until the water runs clear.
• Soak the raisins in hot water beforehand.

How to prepare spicy rice?

• For the spicy rice, soak 2 tablespoons of raisins in 1 cup of water. Wash 2 cups of rice thoroughly with plenty of water and drain it. In a large pot, add 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oils are hot, add 1 chopped onion to the pot. Sauté the onion for a few minutes.
• Next, add 2 cups of rinsed and drained rice to the pot and stir once. Add 2 tablespoons of pine nuts. Sauté the rice and pine nuts for a few minutes. Then, add half a teaspoon of allspice, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried mint, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
• Drain the water from the 2 tablespoons of raisins you soaked and add them to the pot. Mix all the ingredients well.
• Add 3 cups of hot water. Bring the rice to a boil, then reduce heat and cover the pot. Cook until the rice absorbs the water and becomes tender.
• Once the rice has absorbed all the water, turn off the heat. Add the quarter bunch of finely chopped dill and let the rice rest, covered. Gently stir the seasoned rice and serve. Enjoy!

Cooking suggestions for the spicy rice recipe

• After adding hot water to the rice and bringing it to a boil, let it simmer at the lowest temperature.
• After turning off the heat, place a thick paper towel or a clean kitchen towel between the pot and the lid and let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes.

Suggestions for serving the spicy rice recipe

• Stir the cooked rice with a spatula, gently folding from the bottom up to aerate the grains without crushing them.
• You can sprinkle some pine nuts and garnish your dish with sprigs of fresh dill.

What ingredients are in spicy rice?

You can add pine nuts, raisins, allspice, cinnamon, dried mint, granulated sugar and black pepper.

What are the secrets to preparing spicy rice?

• Soak the rice in warm water and rinse it well.
• Don't burn the onions or pine nuts while toasting them.

Should spicy rice be prepared with meat or vegetables?

Classic pilaf rice is prepared simply, which means it is rich in spices and nuts.

What is the best rice for preparing spicy rice?

Baldo or Osmancık rice, with long and thick grains.

What is the history and origin of spicy rice?

Its origins lie in the gastronomy of the Ottoman palaces.

What meat dishes pair well with spicy rice?

Chicken, slow-cooked tandoori lamb.