Silk Road Pilaf (Плов)

Плов (Plov) is a traditional dish from Kyrgyz cuisine, often considered the national dish of Kyrgyzstan. This flavorful and aromatic pilaf is a staple in Central Asian cuisine and is a beloved dish for gatherings and celebrations.

Silk Road Pilaf (Плов)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 lb lamb, cut into chunks
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 carrots, julienned
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups water or broth

Instructions

  1. Wash the rice until the water runs clear, then soak it in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice before using.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lamb and cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and golden brown.
  4. Add the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add the julienned carrots and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
  6. Layer the drained rice on top of the meat and vegetables. Gently pour the water or broth over the rice.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  8. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and mix everything together before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
45g
Protein
15g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Large pot Cutting board Knife Measuring cups and spoons Serving platter

Tools

Fork Spatula

Serving suggestions

Serve the плов hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, and alongside a simple salad or yogurt.

Tips & tricks

For added flavor, you can also include dried fruits and nuts in the pilaf, such as raisins, apricots, and almonds.

Cost

$15