Pirinç Köftesi

Pirinç Köftesi is a delightful vegetarian Turkish rice dish that combines fragrant rice with a medley of spices and fresh herbs, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and flavorful. Perfectly shaped into patties and lightly pan-fried, they are a wonderful accompaniment to salads or as a snack on their own.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice - 100 grams
• Water - 250 milliliters
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley - 20 grams, chopped
• Fresh dill - 10 grams, chopped
• Red bell pepper - 1 small, finely diced
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Flour - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - for frying

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, combine the rice and water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water has been absorbed. Let it cool.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion, garlic, and bell pepper mixture, chopped parsley, dill, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
4. Add flour to the mixture gradually until the mixture holds together when formed into patties. Adjust the amount of flour as needed.
5. Shape the mixture into small patties, about 5 cm in diameter.
6. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to cover the bottom. Fry the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the patties from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with a side salad or yogurt dip.

Nutrition

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbs: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in carbohydrates, providing a good source of energy.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

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