A hearty, one-pot Turkish pilau bursting with flavor and simplicity!
Turkish-Style Pilau
Turkish pilau is a simply a rice dish that includes meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. While not a classic preparation, today’s recipe captures the essence of Turkish flavors in a convenient one-pot dish. Basmati rice bakes with ground turkey, onions, crisp green beans, and sweet dried apricot until the grains are tender. But, the deliciousness doesn't stop there; pre-made tzatziki adds a creamy element, along with fresh mint and pistachios for crunch. This is incredibly easy to make, with simple steps that require minimal prep and just one pot for cooking. The all-in-one method ensures a hassle-free experience, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
This one-pot Turkish-Style Pilau is a flavorful and wholesome dish that combines tender ground turkey, vibrant green beans, sweet dried apricots, and aromatic spices for a balanced meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. Its simple, single-pot method makes cleanup a breeze, while the addition of walnuts and fresh mint elevates the dish with a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, it’s a versatile recipe that captures the essence of Turkish-inspired cuisine.
Enjoy!
What Ingredients do I need?
- Produce
- green beans
- yellow onion
- dried apricots
- Fresh mint
- Protein
- Ground turkey
- Grains
- Basmati rice
- Dairy
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pantry Staples
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Turkish seasoning
- Chicken broth or stock
- Nuts
- Walnuts
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground turkey: Substitute with ground chicken, beef, lamb, or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
- Green beans: Swap with asparagus, zucchini, snap peas, or bell peppers.
- Yellow onion: Use red onion, white onion, shallots, or even leek.
- Dried apricots: Replace with raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, or chopped dates.
- Basmati rice: Use jasmine rice, long-grain white rice, quinoa, or bulgur wheat.
- Turkish seasoning: Substitute with a mix of ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cinnamon or allspice.
- Chicken broth: Replace with vegetable broth, beef broth, or even water with a bouillon cube for added flavor.
- Walnuts: Use almonds, pistachios, pine nuts, or skip entirely for a nut-free option.
- Fresh mint: Substitute with fresh parsley, cilantro, basil, or dill.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Use plain Greek yogurt mixed with minced garlic, cucumber, dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice, or substitute with sour cream or a yogurt-based dip of your choice.
- For a Vegetarian Version: Replace ground turkey with chickpeas, lentils, or cubed tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Include diced tomatoes or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
- For a Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and olives. Use oregano, thyme, and fresh parsley instead of mint. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Dice vegetables, chop herbs, and measure spices before starting. This makes the cooking process smoother and prevents overcooking.
- Use a Tight-Fitting Lid: When simmering the pilau, ensure the pot has a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
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10 oz of ground turkey
1 lb green beans
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 Tablespoon olive oil
salt & pepper
4 oz dried apricots, diced
1 1/4 cups basmati rice
2 teaspoons Turkish Seasoning
3 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 - 1/3 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Trim green beans and cut into 1 inch pieces. In a Dutch oven heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onions and cook until slightly softened and lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Move the onions to one side of the pan and add in the ground turkey. Season everything in the pan with salt & pepper. Break meat up into large pieces and allow to cook undisturbed until browned on the bottom, about 4-5 minutes. The meat will finish cooking in the oven.
Add in rice, green beans, and Turkish seasonings to the skillet. Add the broth, apricots, and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Turn the heat up to high and bring to a boil.
Cover with a lid and transfer to the oven. Back 17 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender. Fluff rice with a fork. Check for seasoning and add salt & pepper as needed.
Stir mint into the rice. Slightly thin out the tzatziki by stirring in 1 teaspoon (or more if needed) of water until thin enough to drizzle. Plate the Pilau into bowls and drizzle with tzatziki and sprinkle with walnuts on top.
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