Secrets of delicious pilaf: how to cook the perfect dish
03.02.2025 20:08
The combination of aromatic spices, juicy meat and tender rice makes this dish a real culinary masterpiece. In our recipe, we will reveal the secrets of making the perfect pilaf that will win the hearts of your loved ones and friends.
Following the advice of the expert of the online publication "BelNovosti" Yulia Arkhipova, you can easily prepare pilaf for 4-6 servings, which will become a real decoration of your table.
Ingredients:
- 500 g lamb or beef (chicken if you prefer)
- 2 cups long grain rice (such as basmati)
- 3 medium carrots (cut into strips or grated)
- 2 onions (thinly sliced)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic (or 1 whole head)
- 100 ml vegetable oil (preferably refined)
- 1 tsp. cumin (cumin)
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric (optional, for color)
- 1-2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups boiling water or broth
Cooking instructions
1. Preparing the rice: Rinse the rice until the water is clear, cover with cold water and leave for 20-30 minutes.
2. Roasting meat:
- Heat oil in a cauldron or thick-walled saucepan.
- Cut the meat into cubes, fry until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Add salt and pepper.
3. Vegetables:
- Add onion, fry until translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Add carrots, cook for 5 minutes, stirring.
4. Spices:
- Add cumin, coriander, turmeric and bay leaf. Stir.
5. Layers of pilaf:
- Level the meat with the vegetables. Put the rice on top in an even layer.
- Carefully pour in boiling water or broth (the water should cover the rice by 2 cm).
- Insert whole garlic cloves or a head (peeled) into the rice.
6. Simmering:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes until rice has absorbed the liquid.
- Do not stir the pilaf while cooking!
7. Submission:
- Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Mix the layers carefully before serving. Garnish with herbs.
Adviсe:
- For a crispy crust ("gara"), increase the heat at the end for 2-3 minutes.
- Instead of lamb, you can use chicken or pork.
- Add raisins or chickpeas for a sweet twist.
Bon appetit!
