If you’re looking for a dish that will transport you to the vibrant flavors of the Middle East, look no further than the traditional perde pilavi! While it may seem daunting to recreate this dish at home, the recipe is easier than you might think. With simple ingredients and patience, you can create a meal that will wow your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Follow my story on how I got this amazing recipe to create your own unforgettable dining experience at home.
Las Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife, luxurious hotels, and endless entertainment options. But on a recent evening, my spouse and I found ourselves in a cozy Middle Eastern restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. Little did we know that this unassuming meal would turn out to be one of the most memorable dining experiences of our lives.
The variety of traditional dishes struck us as we looked at the menu. Every item promised a unique and delicious flavor, from falafel and shawarma to kebabs and hummus. Eventually, we settled on the traditional perde pilavi, a Turkish rice dish baked with chicken, vegetables, and spices and served with yogurt.
Our young Egyptian server brought out the dish with a flourish, presenting it to us with a proud smile. As we took our first bites, the complexity of the flavors blew us away – the tender chicken, the aromatic spices, and the fluffy rice all worked together perfectly.
But as we fully enjoyed our meal, we heard a commotion from a nearby table. One of the customers had a severe allergic reaction to an ingredient in his dish, and the staff rushed to attend to him. My heart went out to the person, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the attentive and compassionate response of the restaurant staff.
As we continued our meal, I couldn’t help but wonder about the recipe for the traditional perde pilavi we were enjoying. I leaned over to our server and asked if he would share the recipe. At first, he was hesitant, explaining that the recipes are not to be shared, and therefore was uncomfortable giving it away. However, I persisted, explaining how much we enjoyed the dish and how I wanted to try making it at home.
After much convincing, the young Egyptian guy finally relented and agreed to share the recipe with me. I was extremely happy and grateful, promising to treasure and keep the recipe safe.
As we finished our meal and paid the bill, I felt grateful for the experience. Not only had we enjoyed a delicious meal, but we had also witnessed the kind and compassionate response of the restaurant staff and had the opportunity to learn a treasured family recipe.
Later that week, I tried my hand at making the traditional perde pilavi at home, following the recipe carefully and making sure to include all the necessary ingredients. As I cooked, the aroma of the spices filled my kitchen, taking me back to that cozy Middle Eastern restaurant in Las Vegas.
Finally, I sat down to enjoy my homemade version of the traditional perde pilavi. As I took my first bite, I was transported back to that evening, to the warm atmosphere of the restaurant, the kind and attentive staff, and the delicious flavors of the dish. It was a reminder of how food can bring people together, create memories, and connect us to cultures and traditions beyond our own.
This is how I created the traditional perde pilavi at home.
Ingredients:
- Softened butter, enough for greasing with some extra
- 11/2 tablespoons of pine nuts
- 25 grams, which is a quarter cup of flaked almonds
- 185 grams of long-grain rice
- 340 ml of chicken stock
- A generous pinch of salt
- 225 grams of cooked chicken that has been shredded
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of currants
- A good pinch of dried oregano
- A good grind of black pepper
For the dough:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1 small egg
- 150 grams or 1 cup of plain flour, with extra for dusting
- A pinch of salt
- Half a teaspoon of baking powder
How to create the traditional perde pilavi?
- Whisk together yogurt, melted butter, and egg in a jug until smooth to make the dough.
- In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Create a well in the center and gradually pour in the yogurt mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until soft and pliable. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside while you prepare the filling.
- Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add pine nuts and half the almonds, stirring until lightly golden. Add rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until well coated and toasted.
- Pour in chicken stock, season with salt, and simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes until rice is partially cooked.
- Add chicken, currants, oregano, and generous amounts of pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat oven to 200ÂșC. Grease 6 x 175 ml molds and press the remaining almonds around their bases.
- Divide the dough into six pieces and roll each on a floured surface. Line the molds with the dough, leaving enough pastry overhang to enclose the filling.
- Fill the molds with cooled rice filling and fold over the pastry edges to enclose the filling. Smear the tops with softened butter, then cover with lids or foil and place on a baking tray.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the dough is golden and the rice is cooked. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto plates to serve.
Thank you for following my story of discovering and recreating the traditional perde pilavi. This dish represents the vibrant and delicious flavors of the Middle East, and I hope my story has inspired you to try making it at home. With simple ingredients and patience, you, too, can create a meal that will wow your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Remember that food can connect us to cultures and traditions beyond our own and create lasting memories. Bon appetite!