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Close overhead view of Turkish Leeks in Olive Oil with carrots and rice served on a floral plate, with lemon halves and a folded kitchen towel nearby.
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Turkish Leeks Recipe (Zeytinyağlı Pırasa)

Turkish Leeks in Olive Oil (Zeytinyağlı Pırasa) is a classic home-style Turkish dish made with braised leeks, carrots, rice, and fresh citrus juice. Light, comforting, and naturally flavorful, it can be served warm as a main dish or at room temperature as part of a meze spread.
Yields: 4 servings
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 25 minutes
TOTAL 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS
  

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 250 grams carrots 2–3 medium, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 800 grams leeks 5–6 medium, trimmed, well washed, and sliced
  • 30 grams long grain rice about 2 tablespoons, rinsed and drained
  • 1 orange about ⅓ cup of juice
  • 1 lemon about 2 tablespoons of juice
  • 200 ml water ¾ cup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
  • Add the sliced carrots and cook together for another 2–3 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute, mixing well.
  • Add the sliced leeks. Stir gently, cover the pot, and cook for 5 minutes to allow them to release some moisture. Remove the lid and give everything a gentle stir.
  • Add the rinsed rice, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the orange juice, lemon juice, and water. Stir carefully.
  • Cover and cook over low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until the leeks are tender and the rice is fully cooked. Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure nothing sticks.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more lemon juice if desired.
  • Remove from heat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the top. Let it rest, covered, for 15 minutes before serving.

NUTRITION

Calories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 701mgPotassium: 748mgFiber: 8gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 13917IUVitamin C: 62mgCalcium: 171mgIron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Course Dinner
Cuisine Turkish
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