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Pakistani Rice Side 2

Serves 4 to 6 Side vegetarian, Sides

Pakistani Rice Side 2

Pakistani Rice Side 2 is a staple dish found on tables across Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad. This home-style version captures the essence of how a Pakistani family cook prepares it, with salt measured by instinct and a generous use of butter or oil, making it rich and satisfying.

The dish is simple yet flavorful, using just rice, butter or oil, and a touch of salt, all cooked together with water. It's a versatile side that complements a variety of main dishes, offering a comforting taste that is both familiar and inviting.

Ingredients

  • 400 grice
  • 50 gbutter or oil
  • 600 mlwater
  • 1 tspfine sea salt

Method

  1. Rinse 400 g of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Drain the rice thoroughly and set it aside.
  2. Prepare your vegetables by cutting them evenly into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate and blend harmoniously with the rice.
  3. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 50 g of butter or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent it from browning. This should take about 5-7 minutes, and the onions should have a sweet aroma.
  4. Add the rinsed rice to the pot with the onions, stirring to coat each grain with the butter or oil. This step helps to slightly toast the rice, enhancing its flavor.
  5. Pour in 600 ml of water and add 1 tsp of fine sea salt. Stir gently to combine, then increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer. Cook until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed. You'll know it's done when the rice is fluffy and the grains are separate, not clumped together.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to firm up slightly and makes it easier to fluff.
  8. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary. Serve the rice warm as a side dish, perfect for sharing at a family table.
Cover of Authentic Pakistani Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Pakistani Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Pakistani Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Pakistani volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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