What I LovedThis easy Turkish rice recipe was absolutely delicious. It was an easy side dish that was thrown together effortlessly. The ham provided a solid punch that almost elevated this to a main course
This easy Turkish rice recipe was absolutely delicious. It was an easy side dish that was thrown together effortlessly. The ham provided a solid punch that almost elevated this to a main course. Meanwhile, the tomatoes provided the perfect balance to the dish. I’d definitely recommend this recipe to anyone.
Original Turkish Rice Recipe From 1887
A cupful of rice, one of strained tomato, two of cold water, two table-spoonfuls of butter, one teaspoonful of salt, and two ounces of fine-chopped ham are the ingredients required.
After washing the rice in three waters, put it into a stew-pan with the other materials, and set upon the stove. When the dish begins to boil, put the stew-pan back where its contents will hardly simmer during the next forty minutes. At serving-time turn the rice into a warm dish. Do not use a spoon in making this transfer, as that would be likely to break the grains and mar the appearance of the dish.
Turkish rice is nice for serving with cold meat or fish or warmed-over meat.
Updated Easy Turkish Rice Recipe
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup canned crushed tomato
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 ounces finely chopped ham.
Rinse the rice and place in a pan with the other ingredients. Bring rice, water, butter, tomato, salt, and ham to a boil. Simmer covered for 40 minutes.
What I Learned
When I was flipping through Miss Parloa’s Kitchen Companion, I instantly thought this would be a great recipe to make for the blog. However, I felt that the way it was written, it ran the risk of being one note. When I cook food I like to cook with heavy aromatics. A super easy way to add flavor to most dishes is to add a little bit of onion and garlic.
This recipe was solid. It worked really well. However, as I kept eating the rice, I felt it definitely needed the boost from those aromatics. In my updated recipe I added onion and garlic to the ingredient list. My hope is that by adding those wonderful ingredients, I’ll be able to get a little more flavor out of the other ingredients. Either way, you are sure to have an amazing result. Enjoy!
Recipe Reference
Miss Parloa’s Kitchen Companion. A Guide For All Who Would Be Good Housekeepers. Published in 1887