Taj Mahal Rice Pilaf Recipes

RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350.
• Melt the butter in a 3-quart saucier over medium heat.
• Stir in the onion, bell pepper and 2 pinches of salt.
• Decrease the heat to low and sweat until the onion is translucent and aromatic but not browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and add the rice. Cook, stirring frequently, until you smell nuts, another 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add the saffron and its water, the broth, orange zest, bay leaves and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Increase the heat and bring to a boil.
• OK, now the weird part: Thoroughly wet a clean towel, kill the heat, scatter the peas on top of the rice, then place the towel across the top of the saucier. Top with the lid, then fold the towel corners up over the lid.
• Transfer the saucier (towel and all) to the oven and bake 15 minutes.
• Remove and rest at room temperature for 15 more minutes without opening the lid.
• Fish out the orange zest and bay leaves. Turn the pilaf out onto a platter, fluff with a large fork and garnish with the raisins and pistachios. Serve family-style, right in the middle of the table.

INDIAN RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Bring water and chicken broth to a boil.
• Combine rice, curry powder, garlic powder, cinnamon, paprika, and cloves in a bowl; stir to mix. Add spiced rice and onion to the boiling broth. Cover and cook until rice is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

ARMENIAN RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Melt butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the egg noodles and stir until they begin to brown, being careful not to burn the butter. Stir in the rice. Continue stirring until rice is coated with butter.
• Pour in the chicken broth and add the bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Cook without uncovering pot until all the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.

RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Combine broth, parsley and butter in a saucepan; bring to boil. Stir in rice; cover. Reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes.

ARMENIAN RICE PILAF WITH RAISINS AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• In a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Break or crush the vermicelli into 1-inch lengths. Add the pasta and rice to the butter and stir often until golden, about 5-8 minutes, being careful not to burn the vermicelli.
• Add the broth, allspice and salt and pepper. Bring to a full boil over high heat, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until rice is tender to bite, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a sauté pan over medium heat, melt remaining 1 or 2 tablespoons butter. Add the almonds and stir often until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the raisins and stir until they puff, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Stir peas if using, parsley and lemon juice into rice. Cover and simmer until peas are hot, about 3-4 minutes.
• Pour pilaf into a serving bowl or on a platter and sprinkle with the raisin and nut mixture over the top. (Diced dried dates, figs, apricots or chopped walnuts may also be used in this topping.)

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE RICE PLILAF

Steps:

• Cook rice using desired method but use chicken broth instead of water.
• Cover the bottom of a skillet with about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
• Add the red pepper and onion and pan fry until they are nice and shriveled (about 10 minutes).
• Add the cook riced and fry with the red peppers and onion. Add more oil if necessary.
• Add parsley, and salt and pepper to taste, and cook for a minute or two longer.

ARMENIAN RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Heat oil and brown orzo.
• Add rice and stir, coating rice with oil so grains will be fluffy when cooked.
• Add chicken broth, salt and pepper. Broth should taste a little salty.
• Cover and cook slowly for 20 minutes or until all broth is absorbed. Add currants and nuts if desired.
• Add butter and stir.

AUTHENTIC RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Melt butter in 2 qt saucepan.
• Crumble vermacelli and add to melted butter.
• Saute until vermacelli is golden brown.
• Add rice, broth, water.
• Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to simmer.
• Cover and cook for 25 minutes.
• DO NOT PEEK!