Home-style pilaf

6 servings

60 minutes

Homemade pilaf is a heartfelt dish of Uzbek cuisine infused with the warmth of family traditions. Its history dates back centuries when caravan drivers in Central Asia prepared a hearty and aromatic meal to nourish and strengthen the body after long journeys. It features tender meat, golden onions, and sweet carrots that create a rich and deep flavor when combined with fragrant cumin, barberry, and turmeric. The rice absorbs the spicy juices, becoming fluffy and melting in the mouth. The uniqueness of pilaf lies in its versatility: it is suitable for both celebrations and cozy family dinners. Served hot with garlic to enhance its aroma, it brings loved ones together at the table, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 1262.9
• Proteins: 62g
• Fats: 47.8g
• Carbohydrates: 151g

Ingredients

• Meat: 1.5 kg
• Rice: 1 kg
• Carrot: 600 g
• Onion: 500 g
• Zira: 1 tbsp
• Barberry: 1 tbsp
• Seasoning for pilaf: 1.5 tbsp
• Garlic: 1 head
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Salt: to taste
• Vegetable oil: 0.5 glass
• Boiling water: 3 glass
• Turmeric: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Cut the onion into strips. Cut the meat into small pieces (cubes). Cut the carrot into strips.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 500 g
   • Meat: 1.5 kg
   • Carrot: 600 g

2. Heat the pot and pour in the oil, then heat it. Fry the onion in a large amount of vegetable oil (about 150 ml) until golden brown.

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil: 0.5 glass
   • Onion: 500 g

3. Add meat and fry until slightly white.

   Required ingredients:

   • Meat: 1.5 kg

4. Add carrots, simmer for 5-7 minutes (without covering).

   Required ingredients:

   • Carrot: 600 g

5. Add cumin, barberry, turmeric, pilaf seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and mix.

   Required ingredients:

   • Zira: 1 tablespoon
   • Barberry: 1 tablespoon
   • Seasoning for pilaf: 1.5 tablespoon
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Turmeric:  to taste

6. Pour water to cover the meat. Cover with a lid and simmer for 35-40 minutes over medium heat.

   Required ingredients:

   • Boiling water: 3 glasss

7. Rinse the rice 5–6 times in cold water.

   Required ingredients:

   • Rice: 1 kg

8. Then pour the rice into the pot (do not mix with the meat!), and level it.

   Required ingredients:

   • Rice: 1 kg

9. Carefully pour hot or warm water to cover the rice by 2 cm. Add a little salt. Cover with a lid and cook until the rice absorbs the water.

   Required ingredients:

   • Boiling water: 3 glasss
   • Salt:  to taste

10. Then place the garlic in the center, pressing it into the rice. Use a wooden stick to make holes (do not mix rice and meat) for steam to escape. Cook covered until done (about 20-25 minutes).

    Required ingredients:

    • Garlic: 1 head

11. Then mix everything and serve at the table.

    Required ingredients:

    • Rice: 1 kg
    • Meat: 1.5 kg
    • Carrot: 600 g