Tomato Rice (Domatesli Pilav)

Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 cups medium-grain rice
• 2 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup butter
• 3/8 cup onion, finely chopped
• Scant 1 cup meat stock, boiling
• 1 cup fresh tomato juice, boiling
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Steps

1. Put the rice into a large bowl, add 2 teaspoons of the salt and pout over 4 1/4 cups boiling water. 
2. Soak for 1 hour at room temperature. Drain and rinse the rice under cold running water, until the water runs clear. 
3. Drain the rice in a colander for 5 minutes.
4. Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, add the rice and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and sauté for 7 minutes, stirring gently. 
5. Add the onions and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the meat stock, tomato juice and black pepper and cook, covered for 20 minutes. 
6. Remove from the heat, tightly cover the pan with a dish towel, then seal tight with the pan lid. Wrap the entire pan in another dish towel and rest for 10 minutes. 
7. Unwrap the pilaf, stir gently and serve.