I really love Turkish foods and flavors, so I wanted to try to imitate the taste of the yummy rice that's served alongside kebabs and falafels at this great Turkish restaurant near Halifax.  I think it's the combination of cooking the onion, garlic and rice in a blend of butter and olive oil that gives the wonderful flavor and texture.  (I learned how magical the mix of butter and olive oil can be when sautéing from Julia Child - thank you, Julia!), and it's definitely perfect in making this rice nice and tasty! 

Rice pilaf-style rice with GF falafel and cucumber.  Delicious served with hummus and tzatziki sauce.  

Turkish Pilaf-Style Rice (minus the orzo)

Serves ~8-10, using 2 cups dried rice

In a medium pot with a lid, sauté over medium to medium-high heat 4-5 minutes, until onions are just browning:

3-4 Tbsp butter

1 Tbsp lemon olive oil (plain olive oil is fine)

1 Tbsp garlic-infused olive oil (plain olive oil is fine)

1 large onion, finely diced

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp salt

Once the onions are just browning, add and cook 2-3 minutes: 

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups white jasmine (or white basmati) rice, well rinsed under cold water, then drained

Add and stirring occasionally, until boiling: 

3 cups chicken broth (3 cups hot water + 3-4 tsp GF chicken bouillon paste or 3-4 tsp Mushroom seasoning)

1/2 - 1 tsp dried cilantro

another dash of salt & pepper

Once rice is boiling, stir once.  Cover and lower heat to low and let the rice cook for 20 minutes.  Turn off heat and let sit 10-15 minutes before fluffing and serving! Enjoy! 

Turkish Pilaf-style Rice by Successfully Gluten Free!