Swahili Pilau

Swahili Pilau

Community Creator

A fragrant and aromatic rice dish featuring basmati rice cooked with beef, onions, and traditional East African spices including pilau masala, cardamom, and cinnamon. This one-pot meal is a staple at celebrations and gatherings.

east_african
45 min prep
60 min cook
105 min total
4 servings
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Ingredients

  • 2 cup basmati rice

    rinsed until water runs clear

    Sub: Long grain rice can substitute but texture will differ

  • 500 g beef chuck

    cut into 2-inch cubes

    Sub: Goat meat, lamb, or chicken can substitute

  • 2 piece yellow onions

    thinly sliced

  • 6 clove garlic

    minced

  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger

    finely minced

    Sub: 1 tsp ground ginger can substitute

  • 2 tbsp pilau masala

    Sub: Can make from cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves

  • 8 piece green cardamom pods

    lightly crushed

  • 2 piece cinnamon stick

    broken into pieces

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • 60 ml vegetable oil

    Sub: Ghee can be used for richer flavor

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 l beef stock

    hot

    Sub: Water with bouillon cubes can substitute

  • 2 tsp salt

  • 2 piece bay leaves

  • 30 g fresh coriander(optional)

    roughly chopped

Prepare Steps

  1. 1

    Prepare aromatics(15m)

    Slice onions thinly, mince garlic and ginger finely. Lightly crush cardamom pods and break cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces.

    knife_work
  2. 2

    Prepare rice(25m)

    Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear, about 3-4 rinses. Soak rice in cold water for 20 minutes, then drain thoroughly.

  3. 3

    Prepare beef(10m)

    Cut beef chuck into uniform 2-inch cubes, removing excess fat. Pat dry with paper towels and season with salt and 1 tablespoon pilau masala.

Cook Steps

  1. 1

    Brown the beef(10m)

    Heat oil in heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides until well-caramelized, about 8-10 minutes total. Remove beef and set aside.

    searing
  2. 2

    Caramelize onions(15m)

    In same pot, reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions. Cook stirring occasionally until deeply golden brown and caramelized, about 12-15 minutes.

    caramelization
  3. 3

    Build spice base(2m)

    Add minced garlic, ginger, remaining pilau masala, cardamom pods, cinnamon pieces, cumin seeds, and bay leaves. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

    blooming_spices
  4. 4

    Add tomato paste(1m)

    Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it darkens slightly and becomes aromatic.

  5. 5

    Braise beef(30m)

    Return beef to pot, add hot stock, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer until beef is tender, about 25-30 minutes.

    braising
  6. 6

    Add rice(3m)

    Add drained rice to pot, stir gently to distribute evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to lowest setting.

  7. 7

    Steam rice(18m)

    Cover tightly and cook on lowest heat for 18 minutes. Do not lift lid or stir during this time.

    steaming
  8. 8

    Rest and finish(10m)

    Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes. Gently fluff with fork, remove whole spices, and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.