Royal Turkish Rice Casserole with Pistachios and Cherries
This extravagant Turkish rice casserole is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Ottoman Empire. Passed down through generations, this dish combines fragrant long-grain rice with a medley of spices, caramelized onions, aromatic garlic, and a delightful blend of toasted nuts and dried fruits. It's a royal treat that brings a touch of elegance to any meal, making it suitable for special occasions or a hearty family dinner. Complete with a creamy, cheesy béchamel sauce and a golden, bubbly finish, this casserole immerses you in the flavors of the Turkish palace kitchens.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
4 tablespoons (divided)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons
Onion
1 small (diced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Turmeric
1/4 teaspoon
Curry Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Long Grain Rice
2 cups
Chicken Stock
1/4 cup
Sea Salt
1/8 teaspoon
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Pistachios
1 cup (toasted and diced)
Dried Cherries or Currants
1 cup
Pine Nuts
1/2 cup (toasted)
Flour
2 tablespoons
Milk
1 1/2 cups
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, turmeric, and curry powder. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Add the long-grain rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the grains until they become slightly opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, uncovered.
6
Season with sea salt and pepper, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25 minutes.
7
After 25 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork. If it’s not tender enough, add a splash of water and cook covered for an additional 5 minutes.
8
Gently fold in the toasted pistachios, dried cherries (or currants), and toasted pine nuts. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
9
In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux, ensuring it doesn't brown.
10
Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
11
Add the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, mixing well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
12
Pour the creamy béchamel sauce over the rice mixture in the casserole dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
13
Place the casserole dish under the broiler for about 4 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
14
Serve warm and enjoy this delightful taste of royalty!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Royal Turkish Rice Casserole with Pistachios and Cherries?
It is an extravagant Turkish dish inspired by Ottoman Empire culinary traditions, featuring fragrant long-grain rice, nuts, dried fruits, and a creamy béchamel topping.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of long-grain rice.
Can I substitute dried cherries if I cannot find them?
Yes, the recipe suggests using currants as an alternative to dried cherries.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What spices provide the aromatic flavor for the rice?
The dish is seasoned with turmeric and curry powder, along with sea salt and pepper.
How do I prepare the pistachios for the casserole?
The pistachios should be toasted and diced before being folded into the rice mixture.
What kind of stock is required for cooking the rice?
The recipe specifies using chicken stock for the cooking liquid.
How long should the rice simmer?
The rice should simmer covered on low heat for 25 minutes, with an additional 5 minutes if it is not tender enough.
What cheese is used in the béchamel sauce?
Grated Parmesan cheese is added to the sauce to make it creamy and flavorful.
How do I finish the dish to get a golden top?
Place the casserole under the broiler for about 4 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its royal heritage and elegant presentation make it perfect for special occasions or holiday meals.
What is the first step in making the rice base?
Start by melting butter and olive oil in a skillet and sautéing diced onions until translucent.
Why should the rice be sautéed before adding stock?
Sautéing the rice until it becomes slightly opaque helps coat the grains and enhances the flavor.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves for this recipe.
What is the ratio of milk to flour in the béchamel?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of flour and 1.5 cups of milk.
Can I use pine nuts in this dish?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.
What type of butter is used?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of butter in total, divided between the rice and the sauce.
What should I do if the rice is still firm after 25 minutes?
Add a splash of water and cook covered for an additional 5 minutes.
Does the recipe include olive oil?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil are used for sautéing the aromatics.
Is the béchamel sauce seasoned with salt?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the sauce along with the Parmesan cheese.
How do I prevent the roux from browning?
Whisk the flour into the butter continuously for about 1 minute over medium heat without letting it change color.
Should the rice be fluffed before adding the nuts?
Yes, fluff the rice with a fork after the simmering period is complete.
Is there a specific way to distribute the béchamel?
Pour it over the rice mixture in the casserole dish and ensure it is distributed evenly.
Can I use sea salt throughout the whole recipe?
The rice is seasoned with sea salt, while standard salt is listed for the béchamel sauce.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is described as having nutty, rich, and sweet-savory flavors from the combination of spices, fruits, and nuts.
What is the historical inspiration for this recipe?
It is inspired by the Turkish palace kitchens and the rich culinary traditions of the Ottoman Empire.
How much curry powder is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe calls for 1 small diced onion, but doesn't specify the variety; yellow or white onions are generally standard for sautéing.
Is the chicken stock added all at once?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chicken stock is added to the rice mixture before bringing it to a boil.
Should I watch the casserole closely while broiling?
Yes, you should keep a close eye on it during the 4 minutes of broiling to prevent burning.