Rice and Leeks Pilav
Rice and Leeks Pilav—a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together the mild sweetness of leeks with the comforting texture of perfectly cooked rice. This dish is a wonderful side or even a light main course, perfect for vegetarians or those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 leek
- 5 cloves garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- zest of half lemon
- juice of half lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil to garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and garlic and sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and slightly caramelized. The natural sweetness of the leeks will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Add the drained rice to the pan and stir it with the leeks for 2-3 minutes. This helps the grains absorb the flavors and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper. Pour in the broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes. The rice should absorb all the liquid and become tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and ensures a fluffy texture.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then sprinkle freshly chopped dill, lemon zest and squeeze lemon juice over the top. Top it with olive oil and serve!