Domatesli Pilav, Crispy Bottom Turkish Tomato Rice Pilaf

Ingredients:
• 1 cup rice (baldo, arborio or similar), 250 g
• 2 large tomatoes, grated or canned sun ripened tomato puree, 400 g
• 4 tbsp butter, 60 g
• 2 tbsp olive oil or sunflower oil
• 1.5 tsp salt (extra to soak the rice in water)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup hot water, 220 ml (+ 1 liter for soaking the rice)
Instructions:
1. Soak the rice in hot water with 1 tsp salt, stir and let it wait for 45 minutes
2. Wash and rinse the rice thoroughly 3 – 4 times until the water comes out clear.
3. Drain in a strainer until the rice is almost dry
4. Peel and grate the tomatoes, or alternatively use 400 g grated canned sun ripened tomatoes
5. In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp oil
6. Add the grated tomatoes and 1 tsp sugar
7. Stir and simmer for about 30 mins until the liquid is reduced and the oil starts to separate
8. Remove the tomatoes, add 4 tbsp – 60 g butter to pan
9. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the rice, 1.5 tsp salt
10. Gently stir without crushing the rice and fry until the rice is translucent and starts to clump together
11. Add back the cooked tomatoes and 1 cup hot water, gently stir and cover the lid
12. Bring to a boil and then switch to low heat, cook covered for 15 mins until the liquid is absorbed
13. Open the lid, gently stir the top parts of the pilaf,
14. Poke couple of small holes in the rice with back of the spoon, cover with a towel and close the lid.
15. Heat up the pilaf 2 - 3 more minutes to crisp up the bottom.
16. Remove from the heat and let it rest covered for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to develop
17. Serve the pilaf in a bowl together with pieces of the crispy bottom