Words of a Watchman

A rice dish that sings until eternity.

🕊 Inspiration

Named in playful homage to the immortal Édith Piaf, this dish embodies her voice — humble yet transcendent. Each ingredient carries a note of warmth and nostalgia: butter browned to a soulful depth, almonds for a delicate tremolo, and rice that perfumes the air like a lingering chanson. It’s comfort, memory, and melody on a plate.

As a minimalist French-inspired dish, it works conceptually: butter and toasted almonds immediately bring to mind riz amandine or riz au beurre noisette, both classic French accompaniments. Jasmine rice isn’t traditional in French cuisine (they’d normally use long-grain or Camargue rice), but its perfume fits the pun perfectly — a subtle nod to La Vie en Rose through its aroma.

🧈 Ingredients (serves 2–3)

• 1 cup white jasmine rice (or long-grain white rice, rinsed)
• 2 cups water or light vegetable stock
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp slivered almonds, lightly toasted (optional but très français)
• 1 pinch sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground white pepper (optional)
• Optional: 1 tbsp dry white wine or vermouth, for deglazing
• Optional garnish: a few leaves of fresh thyme or parsley

🎵 Method

1. Rinse the melody
   Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well. This ensures each grain remains distinct, like notes in a song.
2. Butter becomes music
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and let it gently brown. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns hazelnut-golden and sings softly — a nutty aroma rising like the overture of La Vie en Rose.
3. Optional deglaze
   If you wish to add depth, pour in a splash of dry white wine or vermouth. Let it hiss and evaporate almost completely, leaving behind a whisper of sophistication.
4. Rice enters the stage
   Add the rinsed rice to the browned butter. Stir gently to coat each grain until it glistens. This toasting gives a subtle, caramel undertone.
5. Add water and simmer
   Pour in the water or stock, add salt, and bring to a gentle boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer undisturbed for 12–15 minutes (or until the liquid is absorbed).
6. Rest and fluff
   Remove from heat. Let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork — tender, buttery, and aromatic.
7. Final refrain
   Fold in the toasted almonds. Finish with a touch of white pepper and a scatter of fresh thyme or parsley if you wish.

🌹 Serving suggestion

Serve warm, perhaps alongside roasted chicken, seared scallops, or simply with a glass of dry white wine. It’s the kind of dish that hums quietly to itself — modest, fragrant, and full of heart.

Note: Never overcomplicate Édith Pilaf. Like her voice, its beauty lies in sincerity and restraint.