SAEDNEWS: Shirazis and Northern Iranians have a special talent for making garlic rice, known locally as 'Dampokhtak-e Sir' or 'Garlic Pilaf.' In this issue, Koroush Magazine will guide you through the recipe for garlic rice with fish.
Innovation and experimenting with different flavors are essential in cooking. Sometimes, with just a few simple steps, we can create something new and exciting. Fresh garlic rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that we’ll guide you through preparing. This vegetarian-friendly rice dish can be enjoyed without adding meat or chicken. So if you have fresh garlic at home, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy this delicious meal.
400 g fresh green garlic
2 cups rice
4 pieces of your favorite fish
3 tablespoons lemon juice or bitter orange juice
2 onions
Saffron, brewed, as needed
Salt, black pepper, turmeric, garlic powder, fish seasoning, as needed
Marinate the Fish: Peel and finely grate the onions, then squeeze out their juice. Combine the onion juice with lemon or bitter orange juice and saffron in a bowl. Add the fish and all seasonings, massage gently, and let it rest for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Prepare the Garlic Rice: Chop the garlic to your desired size. Heat a little oil in a pan and lightly sauté the garlic with a pinch of salt. Soak the rice for 2 hours in advance. Then, cook the rice with a little salt and oil until it comes to a boil. Skim off any foam while boiling. Once the rice is soft and the water is absorbed, mix in the sautéed garlic and let the rice steam for 40 minutes.
Cook the Fish: Remove the fish from the marinade and drain for a few minutes to avoid oil splatter. Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish until golden and cooked through.
Serve: Place the garlic rice on a serving platter, arrange the fried fish on the side, and serve with your choice of pickles or salad. Enjoy!
Any type of fish can be used according to your preference.
Leftover onions can be sautéed and served with the rice.
Do not marinate the fish too long, as it may lose its texture.

Ingredients:
3 cups rice
500 g fresh garlic
4 pieces of fish
2 onions
3 tablespoons lemon juice
Saffron, as needed
Instructions:
Grate the onions and squeeze out excess juice. Mix onion juice with saffron, salt, lemon juice, and a little black pepper to marinate the fish. Massage the fish and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Chop several cloves of garlic and lightly fry them in a pan with oil.
Soak the rice for 2 hours to ensure fluffy grains. Cook the rice with a little salt and oil until boiling. Skim off the foam, then layer the fried garlic into the rice. Steam for 40 minutes.
Drain the fish from the marinade to remove excess moisture. Heat oil until hot and fry the fish to prevent sticking.

Pair the dish with your favorite drinks. Serving fish alongside the rice reduces any fishy odor and enhances the flavor. You can serve the fish with the rice on the same platter or separately. Adjust spices according to taste, but avoid over-marinating the fish to preserve its texture.