Ajem pilaf served in a sweet version. A pleasant surprise for your palates with blending flavors such as cinnamon, raisins and orange. It will impress you with its simplicity.
I believe that most of you know ajem pilaf in its savory version. Forget what you knew. The sweet version of this dish will drive you crazy. The almost like porridge rice blends harmoniously with crispy noodles. While, its winter notes will fascinate you.
In a while we leave behind a year very different from all the others. A year that personally made me appreciate the simple things in life. Like a walk with friends, a hug or a smile.
So during 2020, in addition to the above, what has changed in my daily life is the food market. Or should I better say the frequency with which I visit it. I can imagine I am not the only one. This also has its positive side. Better organization while shopping, less food waste and why not, simpler recipes.
Just like the recipe I chose today. Which recipe comes from the East and mixes rice, thin noodles and sugar in a very impressive way. I couldn’t resist on adding to the basic ingredients of the recipe some orange zest, raisins and cinnamon. I still remember my feeling when I added the orange zest in the mixture, it was magical!
May I substitute butter in order to make it vegan?
The original recipe for ajem pilaf includes oil instead of butter. Most of the times sunflower oil. Personally I wanted to give a buttery flavor to my dish and so I added some butter instead of oil. But if you want you can stay true to the original recipe and replace the butter with a corresponding amount of oil.
What type of rice should I use?
Carolina variety is the most suitable variety for this recipe as it has the ability to thicken. In addition, its ability to absorb fats makes Carolina rice an excellent choice for pilaf. So the answer is no…it is better not to use any other type of rice.
How to server ajem pilaf?
Ajem pilaf can be served either hot or cold. Personally I prefer it cold, or should I better say at room temperature. I add a little granulated sugar, in order to enhance its crispiness, and some cinnamon. You can add any spice you like.
ANY OTHER TIPS?
The recipe is really very simple and easy to follow. The only point that needs more attention is the roasting of the thin noodles. Thin noodles are very sensitive and can burn easily. That is why you should stir often and remove from the heat in time.
Ajem pilaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup carolina rice Eutopia
- 3 ½ cup water
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 180 gr butter
- 160 gr thin noodles
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ cup raisins
- zest from 1 medium orange
For serving
- ground cinnamon
- granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan add the water together with the salt and bring to boil.
- Once the water boils, add the rice. Boil the rice over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Then add the sugar. Mix very well and let it simmer until it boils completely.
- Melt the butter in a pan and once it melts, add thin noodles and a tablespoon of sugar. Cook until it gets a nice brown color. Remove from the heat.
- Just before removing the rice from the heat, add the caramelized noodles, the orange zest and the raisins. Mix very well and remove from the heat.
- Cover the pot with a clean towel and then with the lid and set aside for an hour.
- Serve with extra granulated sugar and cinnamon.
So this is my suggestion for the Christmas table, ajem pilaf. A dish coming from the depths of the East that will surprise you with its simplicity. Its flavor will impress your palates, while its aroma will make you travel miles away.
I would be thrilled to hear from you. Even more, if you make my recipe and post a photo of it. Just don’t forget to share your photo under the hashtag #tetisflakes. Please do not hesitate to comment below or contact me on Instagram, or Facebook or Twitter!
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