Pashtun Chicken Pulao

Pashtun Chicken Pulao is a traditional dish from Pashtun Cuisine, known for its rich and aromatic flavors. This recipe combines tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of spices to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Pashtun Chicken Pulao

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
  • 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp ghee or oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat ghee or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink. Then, add the garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes are soft.
  3. Stir in the spices - cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, cumin seeds, turmeric, coriander, cumin, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes to release the flavors.
  4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Gently mix everything together.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Once done, fluff the pulao with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
15 minutes
Cooking time:
45 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Large pot Spoon Knife Cutting board

Tools

Cooking pot Fork

Serving suggestions

Serve the Pashtun Chicken Pulao with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For added flavor, you can also add raisins and nuts to the pulao during the cooking process.

Cost

$15