Pilau is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish popular in many cultures, particularly in East Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It is often made with a combination of spices, meat, and vegetables. Here’s a recipe for a classic homemade pilau:
### Homemade Pilau Recipe
#### Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 lb (450g) beef, chicken, or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large onions, finely sliced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 cardamom pods
- 4-5 cloves
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
- 4 cups water or chicken/beef broth
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1-2 green chilies, chopped (optional)
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Rice:**
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 20-30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. **Cook the Meat:**
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until they are golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This can take about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the meat pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.
3. **Add the Spices and Tomatoes:**
- Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves, and cumin seeds. Stir well to coat the meat and onions with the spices.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
4. **Add the Rice and Water/Broth:**
- Add the drained rice to the pot and gently stir to mix with the meat and spices.
- Add the ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground black pepper, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the water or broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. **Simmer the Pilau:**
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Avoid opening the lid during this time to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
6. **Fluff and Serve:**
- After the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the pilau sit for about 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the whole spices (cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaves).
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and green chilies, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade pilau with a side of raita, kachumbari (tomato and onion salad), or any other side dish of your choice!
