Pilau

Ingredients

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

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 onions and cook until they are golden brown.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken or beef pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.
5. Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the spices and meat.
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 and the liquid is absorbed.
8. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté the cashews and raisins until they are golden brown.
9. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and gently mix in the sautéed cashews, raisins, and chopped cilantro.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!