Marmaris Pilaf

(Marmaris Pilavı - Muğla - Aegean Region)

3/4 cup long-grain rice
1 tbsp butter
1 cup chicken broth, warm
1 tsp salt
Pinch of pepper

Tomato Sauce:
2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 small carrot, peeled, grated
1/4 cup celery stick, chopped
3-4 tbsp canned crushed tomatoes
1/3 cup chicken broth
Pepper

Melt the butter in a cooking pot. Saute the rice with butter for 2-3 minutes while stirring. Pour 1 cup of warm chicken broth in it. Season with salt and pepper. Cover, turn the heat to low and cook until the rice absorbs all the water.

Take the cooking pot away from the heat. Open the lid, place a clean kitchen towel across the top of the pot on the rim and cover. Let the Pilaf stand for about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, to prepare the sauce; saute the onion with olive oil until it is softened. Then add the remaining sauce ingredients. Cover and cook until the vegetables are softened. If the sauce thickens, add a little bit more chicken broth.

 Serve the pilaf with the tomato sauce.

2 servings.