Kenyan Pilau
Fragrant spiced rice with tender meat, a celebration dish with roots in Swahili coastal cuisine.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Servings
6 people
Ingredients
- •2 cups basmati rice
- •500g beef or chicken, cubed
- •2 large onions, sliced
- •4 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tablespoon pilau masala
- •4 cups beef stock
- •3 tablespoons cooking oil
- •1 cinnamon stick
- •4 cardamom pods
- •4 whole cloves
- •Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1
Rinse rice until water runs clear. Soak in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- 2
Heat oil in a heavy pot. Add onions and fry until deep brown (caramelized).
- 3
Add garlic, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Sauté for 1 minute.
- 4
Add meat and brown on all sides. Season with pilau masala and salt.
- 5
Pour in stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and cook until meat is tender (about 25 mins).
- 6
Add rice, stir gently, and ensure liquid covers rice by 1 inch. Add more stock if needed.
- 7
Cover tightly and cook on low heat for 20 minutes until rice is fluffy and cooked.
- 8
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh coriander.
Chef Tips
- •The caramelized onions are key to authentic pilau color and flavor.
- •Don't stir the rice once it starts cooking to avoid making it mushy.
- •Pilau masala can be found in African stores or made at home with cumin, coriander, and black pepper.
User Reviews
More Lunch Recipes
Githeri
A nutritious one-pot meal of maize and beans, a Kikuyu staple that's hearty and satisfying.
Mukimo
A hearty Kikuyu dish of mashed potatoes, peas, corn, and greens. A true taste of central Kenya.
Kenyan Beans Stew
Rich, comforting red kidney bean stew cooked in a tomato and onion base. A protein-packed everyday favourite.