Aromatic Pilau

Ingredients

• Basmati rice (2 cups, washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
• Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons)
• Onion (1 large, finely chopped)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated)
• Turmeric powder (1 teaspoon)
• Cumin powder (1 teaspoon)
• Coriander powder (1 teaspoon)
• Cinnamon stick (1)
• Cardamom pods (4)
• Cloves (4)
• Chicken or beef (1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups)
• Salt (to taste)
• Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Raisins (1/2 cup)
• Cashews (1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are golden brown, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and the spices bloom.
4. Add the chicken or beef pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the spices and meat evenly.
6. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and season with salt. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
8. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the cashews and raisins until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
9. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and carefully mix in the sautéed cashews, raisins, and chopped cilantro.
10. Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired, and enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of your homemade Pilau.