Hamsili pilav

Hamsili pilav is a visually attractive Turkish dish of oven-baked pilaf that is encased in anchovies. The pilaf is usually prepared with long-grain rice, onions, raisins, pine nuts, mint, lemon juice, and spices. In order to prepare hamsili pilav, a baking dish is first brushed with butter, then layered with anchovies so that they fill the whole bowl.

The rice pilaf is placed over the anchovies, and the ends of anchovies are then folded towards the center of the bowl so that the rice is completely encased. After the baking process, the dish is typically turned upside down and served garnished with dill sprigs and slices of lemon.

It is believed that the original recipe originates from the Laz, an ethnic minority in northeastern Türkiye.