Introduction
Turkish Red Rice, known as Domatesli Pilav, is one of the most popular rice dishes in Turkey. It is a classic side dish served with grilled meats, chicken, kebabs, and traditional Turkish stews.
This rice is known for its beautiful red color, achieved through tomatoes and tomato paste, along with its rich flavor and fluffy yet slightly moist texture.
Simple to prepare, Domatesli Pilav has become a staple on everyday Turkish tables and a delicious alternative to plain white rice or vermicelli rice.
First: What Makes Turkish Red Rice Special?
Turkish red rice differs from traditional Arabic rice in several ways:
- It relies on tomatoes and tomato paste as key ingredients
- It is cooked with olive oil or butter for deeper flavor
- The texture is fluffy but slightly moist on the inside
- Medium- or short-grain rice is preferred rather than long-grain rice
This combination makes Domatesli Pilav especially perfect alongside Turkish kebabs and grilled dishes.
Second: Ingredients for Turkish Red Rice
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 cups Turkish rice or medium-grain rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup grated or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 3 cups hot water or chicken stock
- Salt and black pepper
- A pinch of paprika (optional)
Optional for Extra Flavor:
- A small piece of butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Third: How to Make Turkish Red Rice Step by Step
1) Washing the Rice
Wash the rice thoroughly, then soak it in warm water for 15 minutes to improve texture.
2) Sautéing the Onion
In a wide pot, heat the oil and sauté the onion until soft and translucent without browning.
3) Adding Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes until it darkens slightly and becomes more concentrated in flavor.
4) Adding the Tomatoes
Stir in the grated tomatoes and let them simmer with the paste for 1–2 minutes.
5) Adding Rice and Seasoning
Add the drained rice and stir well so the grains absorb the color and flavor.
Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
6) Adding Water or Stock
Pour in the hot water or stock.
Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to very low, cover the pot, and cook for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender.
7) Final Step
Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes to finish steaming and become fluffy.
At this stage, you may add a small piece of butter for extra richness.
Fourth: How to Serve Turkish Red Rice
Turkish red rice is commonly served with:
- Turkish kofta
- Shish tawook
- Iskender kebab
- Turkish white beans (Kuru Fasulye)
- Chicken sauté
- Grilled fish
In Turkish restaurants, it is often molded into a neat round shape or served in a small side dish.
Fifth: Golden Tips for Perfect Turkish Rice
- Keep the heat low after adding liquid
- Always use hot water or stock to prevent broken grains
- Do not stir the rice after covering the pot
- Medium-grain Turkish rice works best
- A small pinch of sugar can balance tomato acidity (optional)
Sixth: Other Popular Turkish Rice Dishes
- Vermicelli rice (Şehriyeli Pilav) – the classic Turkish rice
- Buttered rice with spices – often served with stuffed chicken
- Vegetable rice – a light vegetarian option
Conclusion
Turkish Red Rice (Domatesli Pilav) proves that simplicity can be incredibly delicious.
With its rich tomato flavor and perfectly cooked grains, it is an ideal side dish that pairs effortlessly with a wide variety of meals.
Thanks to its vibrant color and balanced taste, this rice deserves a permanent place on your table and in the Turkish cuisine section of Atayeb Kitchen.
