Tavuk Pilav (Turkish Chicken & Chickpea Pilaf)

Tavuk Pilav Ingredients

Chicken Broth1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces)1 carrot1 onion2 celery sticks1/2 tsp whole peppercorns2 bay leavesRice2 cups rice short grain rice (washed thoroughly & drained)2 tbsp butter2 tbsp olive oil1 cup chickpeas (cooked)2&1/2 cups chicken broth2 tsp salt1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Steps

Cut vegetables for chicken broth into equal sized pieces, place in a big pot along with chicken, 5 cups of water, pepper & bay leaves, bring to a boil.Reduce heat, cover, simmer gently for abt 1 hr & set aside to cool.When chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the rest of the ingredients, shred 1/2 of chicken meat, discard bones, skin & gristle.Strain broth through a fine mesh & set aside.In a large pan, melt butter & oil on medium heat, add rice & fry for 2 mins.Add chickpeas, broth, salt & pepper, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover & cook until almost all the liquid has been absorbed.Remove lid, place shredded chicken on top, cover & steam for 5 mins.Fluff rice, stir to mix chicken meat with rice & taste to adjust seasoning.To serve, ladle rice into serving plates/bowls, place a piece of chicken, salad of choice & pickled chillies (optional)