Perde pilavı

Perde pilavı is a traditional Turkish dish, often served at special occasions such as weddings and celebrations. The name perde pilavı translates to "curtain rice" in English, referring to the dough "curtain" that encases the rice.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredients of perde pilavı are rice, chicken, almonds, currants, butter, onions, salt, black pepper, and dough. The dough used is similar to yufka, a type of Turkish phyllo dough.

The preparation of perde pilavı involves several steps. First, the chicken is boiled and shredded, and the rice is cooked with the chicken broth. The onions are sautéed in butter until they become translucent, then the almonds and currants are added and sautéed together. This mixture is then combined with the cooked rice.

The dough is rolled out into a thin layer, and the rice mixture is spread over it. The dough is then folded over the rice, sealing it inside. The entire package is baked in the oven until the dough becomes crispy and golden brown.

Serving

Perde pilavı is typically served hot, often as a main course. It is usually cut into pieces before serving, allowing the colorful rice mixture to spill out. The dish is often accompanied by ayran, a traditional Turkish yogurt drink.

Cultural Significance

Perde pilavı is considered a special dish in Turkish cuisine, often reserved for important occasions. It is particularly popular in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey.

See Also

• Turkish cuisine
• Pilaf
• Biryani
• List of rice dishes