Cuisine : Plov - Steps to prepare this middle east item

 

Plov, also known as pilaf, is a traditional Central Asian and Middle Eastern dish made with rice, meat, and various spices. Here's a basic recipe for making Uzbek-style plov:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups long-grain rice

- 1 pound lamb or beef, cubed

- 1 large onion, thinly sliced

- 3 medium carrots, julienned

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds

- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon ground paprika

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 4 cups hot water or broth

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in warm water for about 30 minutes, then drain.

2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and coriander seeds, letting them sizzle for a moment.

3. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown. Add the cubed meat and brown it on all sides.

4. Stir in julienned carrots and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.

5. Add minced garlic, ground paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

6. Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot. Stir the rice into the mixture, ensuring it's well-coated with the spices and oil.

7. Pour hot water or broth over the rice and meat mixture. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

8. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

9. Serve the plov hot, and optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic plov!