Oriental Kofta with Yellow Rice

You will need​: 

Special Equipment:

• Large pot for rice
• Mixing bowl for sauce

Ingredients:

For the Rice:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 1 dried lime
• 2 cloves
• 1 medium onion, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 cups water
• 3 tablespoons chopped dill

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 2 cups of yogurt
• 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup milk
• Salt to taste 

Recipe Instructions​

Rice

1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Heat Oil and Butter: In a large saucepan or pot, heat the oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot.
3. Add Spices: Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, dried lime, and cloves to the pot. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices.
4. Cook the Onion: Add the grated onion to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add Turmeric: Stir in the turmeric and cook for another minute to release its flavor and color.
6. Cook the Rice: Add the rinsed Basmati rice to the pot, stirring to ensure the rice is well-coated with the oil, butter, and spices. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add Water and Season: Pour in the water and add the salt. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
9. Add Dill: After the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Add the chopped dill and gently fluff the rice with a fork to mix in the dill.
10. Serve: Remove the whole spices if desired.

Sauce

1. Mix Yogurt and Mayonnaise: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the yogurt and mayonnaise. Stir them together until well blended.
2. Add Garlic and Mint into the yogurt mixture.
3. Lemon Juice for Zest: Pour the lemon juice into the mixture. Lemon juice will not only add a tangy flavor but also help in balancing the flavors, making the sauce more vibrant.
4. Adjust Consistency with Milk: Gradually add milk, starting with 1/4 cup, stirring continuously until you achieve the desired consistency. The sauce can be as thick or as runny as you prefer. Add more milk if you'd like it thinner.
5. Season with Salt: Add salt to taste, and mix thoroughly. Salt enhances the overall flavor of the sauce, making the individual tastes more pronounced.
6. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. 

Recipe Video​

Enjoy the recipe reel by Sara El Refaie!

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