Cuisine : Kabuli Pulao - How to prepare this traditional Afghan dish

  

**Kabuli Pulao** is a traditional Afghan dish, known for its flavorful rice mixed with tender meat and aromatic spices. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare Kabuli Pulao:

**Ingredients:**

- Basmati rice

- Lamb or beef, cut into chunks

- Cooking oil or ghee

- Onions, thinly sliced

- Carrots, julienned

- Raisins or chopped dried apricots (optional)

- Whole spices (cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick)

- Ground spices (coriander, cumin, turmeric)

- Garlic, minced

- Ginger, grated

- Chicken or beef broth

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Nuts (almonds, pistachios) for garnish

**Steps:**

1. **Prepare the Rice:**

   - Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the water.

2. **Cook the Meat:**

   - In a large pot, heat oil or ghee over medium heat.

   - Add chunks of meat and brown them on all sides.

   - Remove the meat and set it aside.

3. **Saute Onions and Aromatics:**

   - In the same pot, add more oil if needed.

   - Saute sliced onions until golden brown.

   - Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant.

4. **Add Spices:**

   - Add whole spices like cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, and a cinnamon stick.

   - Incorporate ground spices such as coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Stir well.

5. **Cook the Meat:**

   - Return the browned meat to the pot and mix it with the spices and onions.

   - Pour in chicken or beef broth, enough to cover the meat.

   - Simmer until the meat is tender, adding water if necessary.

6. **Prepare Carrots:**

   - In a separate pan, sauté julienned carrots until they start to caramelize. Add raisins or chopped dried apricots if desired.

7. **Cook the Rice:**

   - Parboil the soaked rice in a separate pot until it's partially cooked. Drain the water.

8. **Layering:**

   - Preheat the oven.

   - In the pot with the meat, create a layer of partially cooked rice over the meat.

   - Top the rice layer with the sautéed carrots and raisins or apricots.

9. **Finish Cooking:**

   - Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven. Cook until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the flavors.

10. **Garnish and Serve:**

    - Before serving, garnish the Kabuli Pulao with toasted nuts (almonds, pistachios).

    - Fluff the rice gently with a fork to mix the layers.

Kabuli Pulao is a delightful dish, rich in flavors and textures, often served on special occasions and celebrations in Afghan cuisine.