Introduction
Kabuli Pulao is a popular Afghan dish known for its aromatic flavors and tender rice. This traditional Afghan rice dish is made with basmati rice, tender meat, and a blend of spices that create a rich and flavorful meal. In this blog post, we will share a classic recipe for Afghani Kabuli Pulao, along with the ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
To make Afghani Kabuli Pulao, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 500 grams meat (lamb or beef), cut into small pieces
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup almonds, slivered
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon cardamom pods
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make delicious Afghani Kabuli Pulao:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute.
4. Add the meat pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
1. Add the cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cinnamon powder, black pepper, and salt to the pot with the meat.
2. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices.
3. Add 2 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the meat simmer for about 1 hour or until it is tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Carrots, Raisins, and Almonds
1. While the meat is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
2. Add the julienned carrots and cook until they are slightly tender.
3. Remove the carrots from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the raisins and almonds, and cook until they are slightly browned.
5. Remove the raisins and almonds from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling water.
3. Cook the rice until it is 70% cooked (it should still have a slight bite to it).
4. Drain the rice and set aside.
Step 6: Layer the Pulao
1. In the pot with the cooked meat, layer half of the partially cooked rice.
2. Sprinkle half of the cooked carrots, raisins, and almonds over the rice.
3. Layer the remaining rice on top, followed by the remaining carrots, raisins, and almonds.
4. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
Step 7: Serve
1. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to mix the layers.
2. Transfer the Kabuli Pulao to a serving platter and garnish with additional almonds and raisins if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious Afghani dish!
Conclusion
Afghani Kabuli Pulao is a delightful rice dish that combines the flavors of tender meat, aromatic spices, and sweet raisins and almonds. It is a perfect dish for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a flavorful and satisfying meal. Follow the above recipe, and you will be able to recreate this traditional Afghan dish in your own kitchen. Enjoy!
