Ingredients:
For the Plov:
2 cups basmati or long-grain rice-480g
1/4 cup butter or ghee-60g
1/2 cup dried apricots (chopped)-120g
1/2 cup raisins or sultanas-120g
1/2 cup almonds (blanched and slivered)-120g
1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)-120g
1 teaspoon black tea seasoning-15g
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon-5g
1 teaspoon sugar-5g
Salt, to taste
For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plain yogurt-60g
1/4 cup vegetable oil-60g
1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)-60g
1/4 teaspoon salt-1.2g
For Assembly:
2 egg yolks (for brushing the dough)
Optional garnishes: dried apricots, nuts, or raisins
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice in lightly salted water until it’s 80% done (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Tea Infusion:
Mix the black tea seasoning with the ground cardamom. Pour the tea infusion over the cooked rice.
3. Prepare the Dried Fruits and Nuts:
Melt butter or ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the almonds, walnuts, dried apricots, and raisins until they are fragrant and slightly golden. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Mix well and fold into the tea-infused rice.
4. Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, combine flour, yogurt, oil, salt, and water. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough into a large circle, big enough to line a round baking dish and cover the filling. Grease the baking dish with butter or oil and lay the rolled-out dough inside, leaving enough overhang to fold over the top. Fill the dough-lined dish with the tea-infused rice mixture. Fold the dough over the top, sealing it completely. Brush the dough with egg yolk for a golden crust.
6. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dough is golden and crisp.
7. Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Invert onto a serving platter. Garnish with additional dried fruits and nuts if desired.
Enjoy your Tea-Flavored Plov in Dough, a perfect blend of aromatic tea and rich Middle Eastern flavors wrapped in crispy golden dough!