Long-grain basmati rice, meat (usually lamb or chicken), and a variety of spices constitute the delicious and aromatic Afghan dish known as “Kabuli Pulao.” This dish incorporates raisins, carrots, and nuts, adding a unique flavor and texture to the meal.
To prepare Kabuli Pulao, people typically brown the meat and then cook it slowly with various spices until tender. They cook the rice separately and then layer it with the meat and other ingredients such as caramelized carrots, raisins, and nuts. Such as caramelized carrots, raisins, and nuts. This layering process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a fragrant and flavorful dish.
Kabuli Pulao is often served during special occasions and celebrations in Afghan cuisine and is known for its rich and aromatic taste. People worldwide have embraced its popularity and enjoy the unique blend of flavors and textures in this traditional dish, especially those who appreciate it.
Kabuli Pulao Recipe
Sure, here’s a simple recipe for making Kabuli Pulao at home:
Ingredients:
- Basmati Rice 2 cups
- Lamb or chicken, 500 grams cut into chunks
- Large onions, thinly sliced 2 pieces
- Grated carrots 1 cup
- Raisins 1/2 cup
- Slivered almonds or pistachios 1/2 cup
- Cloves 4
- Green cardamom pods 4
- Cinnamon stick 1
- Cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon
- Turmeric 1/2 teaspoon
- Ginger 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil or ghee 3 tablespoons
- Water or chicken/lamb broth 4 cups
Instructions:
- Firstly, wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
- In a large pot, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat and fry the onions until they are golden brown.
- At this point, remove half of the fried onions and set them aside for garnishing.
- Add the meat to the pot and brown it on all sides.
- Moreover, add the cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cumin seeds to the pot and sauté for a minute.
- Furthermore, Mix in the turmeric, ginger, coriander, cloves, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the water or broth and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the meat simmer until it is tender and cooked through.
- In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the grated carrots until they are slightly caramelized. Set them aside.
- In the same pan, fry the raisins until they are plump, and set them aside.
- Once the meat is cooked, strain the broth and set it aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large ovenproof dish, layer half of the soaked rice, followed by the cooked meat, caramelized carrots, and fried raisins. Repeat the layers.
- Pour the reserved broth over the layers.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
- Garnish with the reserved fried onions and slivered almonds or pistachios before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Kabuli Pulao!
