What is perdeli pilav?

Perdeli Pilav is a traditional Turkish dish made with rice, meat, and various vegetables. The word "perde" in Turkish means "curtain", and the dish's name comes from the way it is prepared, with a layer of rice acting as a "curtain" over the meat and vegetables.

The dish typically includes lamb or beef, onions, carrots, peas, and tomatoes, all cooked together with spices like cumin, cinnamon, and paprika for flavor. The rice is then cooked separately, seasoned with melted butter and salt, and layered on top of the meat and vegetable mixture.

The final step in making Perdeli Pilav is to bake it in the oven until the rice is fully cooked and all the flavors have melded together. It is often served with a side of salad, yogurt, or pickles. This dish is popular during special occasions like weddings and Eid al-Adha, the Muslim holiday of sacrifice.