Recipe

Dill Rice the Afghani Way- Chelo Shibit

Dill Rice the Afghani Way- Chelo Shibit

Photo by shayma

  • This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Savory Rice Dish
  • Chef

    shayma's Notes: Chelo means rice and shibit means dill, in Dari, one of the national languages of Afghanistan. Basmati rice in Afghanistan and Iran is prepared in what is known in Dari as the 'sof' method...

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Serves 2

  1. Soak the Basmati for 30 minutes minimum, (preferably for at least an hour.)

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  2. Boil 6-8 cups of water, when it comes to a rolling boil, add the Basmati. Let it cook for 13-15 minutes.

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  3. To test when the rice is ready for steaming, take a grain and if it is soft on the outside but breaks between your finger and thumb, remove from the flame. It should be al dente.

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  4. Drain the water. Place pan on the stove on low heat and add olive oil. With a wide-rimmed spatula, add a thin layer of rice to the pot. Sprinkle with dill, and keep layering the rice and dill in a towering dome shape; like a pyramid. This ensures the rice cooks evenly.

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  5. To release the steam, make 2-3 holes (one in the middle and two on the side) with a wooden spatula.

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  6. Cover the pot with a tea towel, replace the lid and let it cook on low heat for 15 minutes.

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  7. Decant with a wide-rimmed spatula. In our home we use a teacup saucer.

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3 Comments on Dill Rice the Afghani Way- Chelo Shibit

52 Reply

Shayma congrats on getting an 'editors' picks' award!

N501413281_1273671_4870 Reply

Many thanks, Paul. Hope you are well.

Img_0828 Reply

I really like the elegant simplicity of this rice. It would be a nice side to a light vegetarian meal.

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