Turkish Saffron Pilaf with Goji Berries and Turkey Recipe

Introduction

This Turkish pilaf with saffron and goji berries is a fragrant, colorful dish that combines tender turkey, aromatic spices, and nutritious ingredients. It makes a deliciously satisfying meal with unique flavors you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 2 large garlic cloves
• Generous pinch of saffron
• 3 tsp rapeseed oil
• 200g diced skinless turkey thigh
• 85g wholegrain basmati rice
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vegetable bouillon
• 3 celery sticks, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp dried goji berries
• 1 medium onion, halved and very thinly sliced
• 100g baby spinach leaves
• 25g flaked almonds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Finely chop the garlic and set it aside for 10 minutes to activate its health benefits.
2. Step 2: Pour 2 tablespoons of boiling water over the saffron and let it infuse while preparing the other ingredients.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 teaspoons of rapeseed oil in a large non-stick sauté pan with a lid. Add the diced turkey and fry for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until it begins to brown.
4. Step 4: Stir the rice and ground cinnamon into the pan. Pour in 400ml boiling water and add the vegetable bouillon. Stir well to combine.
5. Step 5: Add the finely chopped celery, fresh thyme leaves, goji berries, and plenty of ground black pepper. Cover tightly to trap steam and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: While the rice cooks, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil in another non-stick pan. Add the sliced onion and cook until it softens. Cover the pan and steam the onion for 5 minutes, then uncover and fry gently for 12 to 15 minutes more until golden, stirring often.
7. Step 7: After 20 minutes, check the rice. If it is still too hard and all the water has been absorbed, add up to 100ml more boiling water. Stir in the saffron infusion, cover again, and cook for a further 5 to 10 minutes until the rice is tender.
8. Step 8: Add the activated garlic and baby spinach to the rice and cook briefly until the spinach wilts. Turn off the heat.
9. Step 9: Toss the fried onions and flaked almonds through the pilaf. Cover the pan and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Activating the garlic by chopping it 10 minutes before cooking helps maximize its flavor and health benefits.
• For a nuttier flavor, toast the flaked almonds lightly before adding them to the dish.
• You can substitute the turkey thigh with chicken thigh for a similar taste and texture.
• If you prefer more color and sweetness, try adding chopped dried apricots along with the goji berries.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pan over low heat or microwave until hot, adding a splash of water if the pilaf seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular white basmati rice instead of wholegrain?

Yes, you can substitute with regular white basmati rice. Keep in mind it may cook faster and result in a softer texture compared to wholegrain rice.

Is it necessary to soak the saffron in hot water?

Soaking saffron in hot water helps release its full flavor and color, enhancing the dish. It’s a simple step that makes a noticeable difference.

Turkish Saffron Pilaf with Goji Berries and Turkey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 126 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A flavorful Turkish-style pilaf featuring saffron-infused wholegrain basmati rice, tender diced turkey thigh, and nutritious additions like goji berries and baby spinach. Enhanced with aromatic spices such as cinnamon and thyme, and finished with crispy fried onions and flaked almonds for texture and richness. This hearty one-pan dish offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 large garlic cloves
• Generous pinch of saffron
• 3 tsp rapeseed oil
• 200g diced skinless turkey thigh
• 85g wholegrain basmati rice
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vegetable bouillon
• 3 celery sticks, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp dried goji berries
• 1 medium onion, halved and very thinly sliced
• 100g baby spinach leaves
• 25g flaked almonds

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Instructions

1. Activate the garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves and set them aside for 10 minutes to allow the enzymes to activate, enhancing their health benefits.
2. Infuse the saffron: Pour 2 tablespoons of boiling water over the pinch of saffron and let it steep to release its color and flavor.
3. Cook the turkey: Heat 2 teaspoons of rapeseed oil in a large non-stick sauté pan with a lid. Add the diced turkey thigh and fry over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the turkey starts to brown.
4. Add rice and spices: Stir in the wholegrain basmati rice and ground cinnamon, mixing well with the turkey.
5. Add liquids and vegetables: Pour 400ml boiling water and add the vegetable bouillon to the pan. Stir to dissolve the bouillon. Then add the finely chopped celery, fresh thyme leaves, dried goji berries, and plenty of ground black pepper.
6. Simmer the pilaf: Cover the pan tightly with the lid to prevent steam from escaping. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
7. Prepare the onions: Meanwhile, in a separate non-stick pan, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of rapeseed oil. Add the thinly sliced onion and soften it gently. Cover the pan and steam the onions for 5 minutes, then remove the lid and fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
8. Check rice doneness: After 20 minutes of cooking, check if the rice is tender. If the rice is still too firm and all liquid has been absorbed, add up to 100ml more boiling water. Stir in the saffron infusion, cover again, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the rice is fully tender.
9. Add greens and garlic: Stir in the activated chopped garlic and baby spinach leaves into the rice mixture. Cook briefly just to wilt the spinach, then turn off the heat.
10. Combine final ingredients: Toss through the golden fried onions and flaked almonds into the pilaf. Cover the pan and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to meld the flavors before serving.

Notes

• Activating garlic by chopping it and letting it sit for 10 minutes before cooking maximizes its health benefits.
• If needed, adjust water quantity when cooking rice to ensure it is tender without becoming mushy.
• Golden fried onions and flaked almonds add essential texture contrasts to the soft pilaf.
• Use a tightly fitting lid to trap steam for perfect rice cooking.
• Wholegrain basmati rice offers added fiber and a nuttier flavor compared to white rice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Turkish

Keywords: Turkish pilaf, saffron rice, turkey pilaf, goji berries, healthy pilaf, wholegrain basmati rice, cinnamon rice, spinach pilaf, nutty pilaf