Best Bean Dill Pilaf With Garlicky Yogurt Recipes

BROAD BEAN & DILL PILAF

Steps:

• Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then soak in warm water for 5 mins and drain well. Heat the butter in a saucepan and add the onion and garlic. Sizzle everything for 8-10 mins until softened, but not coloured. Stir though the rice and pour over the stock. Cover, bring to the boil, then turn down heat to a minimum and cook the rice very slowly for 10 mins.
• Lift the lid, and quickly scatter over the podded beans, then replace the lid. Turn up the heat and simmer for 5 mins until all the liquid is absorbed. Add the dill, give the rice a good stir and serve with extra butter melting through.

SPINACH DIP WITH GARLIC, YOGURT AND DILL

Steps:

• If using fresh spinach, put it in a colander in the sink. Bring a kettle of water to a boil and pour it over the spinach to wilt it. Let the spinach cool completely, then use your hands to squeeze it very dry. Coarsely chop spinach and set it aside. If using frozen chopped spinach, just squeeze it out until it's very dry, then set aside.
• In a blender or food processor, combine scallions, yogurt, cream cheese, dill, parsley, garlic, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, zest, cumin, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. With the motor running, drizzle in olive oil and blend, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is very smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Scrape the mixture into a mixing bowl and fold in the chopped spinach until evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Dip will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Just before serving, taste and add more salt, pepper and lemon juice, if you like. To serve, scrape dip into a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with Urfa or Aleppo pepper flakes, if desired.

MEDITERRANEAN BEET AND YOGURT SALAD

Steps:

• Roast the beets, peel and cut in wedges or slice into half-moons. Stir together the vinegar, sugar, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss with the warm beets and allow to marinate for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• Place the garlic in a mortar and pestle, add 1/8 teaspoon salt, and mash to a paste. Stir into the yogurt. Stir in half the dill. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drain the beets and stir some of the marinade into the yogurt (to taste). Toss with the beets, or arrange the beets on a platter and drizzle the yogurt over the top. Sprinkle on the remaining dill, and serve.