Traditional Plov Pilaf Recipe

2022-10-31

By Ukranian Kitchen

Ukranian Cuisine

Main Course

Perfect Plov Every Time: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Induction Cooker Methods

How to Make Tender, Flavorful Plov in a Slow Cooker: Low and Slow for Perfect Results

Use the slow cooker to cook your plov with meat like lamb or beef. The low and slow heat ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful, while the grains of rice absorb the rich spices and broth, creating a perfect plov.

Make Plov Fast with an Instant Pot: Pressure Cooked for Tender Meat and Flavorful Rice

The Instant Pot's "pressure cook" function speeds up the cooking process, helping you make plov in a fraction of the time. You can brown the meat and sauté the spices with the "saute" function, then use pressure cooking to fully infuse the flavors and tenderize the meat.

Perfectly Cooked Rice for Plov: Using an Induction Cooker for Fluffy Results

Use the induction cooker for precise temperature control when simmering the rice. The even heat helps prevent burning and ensures the rice is cooked evenly, resulting in fluffy, perfectly cooked pilaf every time.

Tips and Suggestions on Cooking Plov Pilaf

Proper rice selection

Choosing the right rice is crucial for a delicious plov pilaf. Look for long-grain rice that doesn't become too sticky when cooked, such as basmati or jasmine rice.

Achieving the perfect texture

Achieving the right texture is essential in plov pilaf. Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking. Use the right amount of water and cook on low heat, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.

Balancing flavors

Plov pilaf is known for its bold and fragrant flavors. Achieve the perfect balance of flavors by adding the right amount of spices, such as cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the seasonings according to your taste.

Layering the ingredients

Layering the ingredients properly is key to a flavorful plov pilaf. Start by cooking the meat until it's browned and flavorful, then add the onions and continue cooking until golden. Add the rice and liquid, making sure to distribute the flavors evenly.

Patience and timing

Plov pilaf requires patience and timing. It's essential to give each ingredient enough time to cook and infuse its flavors into the dish. Avoid stirring the pilaf too much to prevent it from becoming sticky, and allow it to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld together.

Garnish and presentation

Plov pilaf is often garnished with fried onions, raisins, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Pay attention to the presentation, as a well-presented dish enhances the eating experience. Add the garnishes right before serving to maintain their freshness and vibrant appearance.

Traditional Plov Pilaf Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g beef or lamb
  • 2 onions
  • 5 carrots
  • 500g long-grain rice
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • sunflower oil
  • 2 cups of water

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot, add the meat and cook until browned. Remove the meat from the pot.
  2. Add the onions to the pot and cook until browned. Add the garlic, bay leaves, cumin seeds and coriander seeds. Cook for one more minute.
  3. Add the carrots to the pot and cook until softened. Add the meat back in and mix well.
  4. Add the rice, turmeric, black pepper, and salt to the pot, mix well.
  5. Add the water and bring to the boil.
  6. Reduce the heat, cover with a lid and simmer for 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
  7. Remove the lid and stir the rice.
  8. Cover the pot with a kitchen towel and the lid again. Leave for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 30 min

Cook Time 60 min

Total time 90 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 400
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Protein: 20 g

Variations for Pilaf

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This version is made with plump shrimp, zesty Cajun spices, and perfectly cooked rice, offering a deliciously vibrant and aromatic dish.

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Spicy Shrimp Pilaf

This version is made with juicy shrimp marinated in a spicy blend, mixed with fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables for a kick.

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Seafood Pilaf

This version is made with a delightful medley of fresh seafood, including shrimp and scallops, combined with aromatic rice and herbs.

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Chicken Pilaf

This version is made with tender, seasoned chicken pieces simmered with fragrant rice and vegetables, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.

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This version is made with a rich mixture of sausage and chicken, sautéed with onions and bell peppers, and served atop fluffy rice.

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Vegetable Pilaf

This version is made with a colorful assortment of seasonal vegetables, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice, creating a vibrant and nutritious dish.

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Pork Pilaf

This version is made with tender pieces of pork, simmered with onions, garlic, and spices, then combined with flavorful rice for a hearty meal.

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Lamb Pilaf

This version is made with succulent lamb, infused with fragrant spices and herbs, combined with fluffy rice for a rich and satisfying dish.

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