Kenyan Beef Pilau with Kachumbari
A fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with tender beef and aromatic spices, served with a fresh and zesty tomato and onion salad.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Beef(cubed)
- 2 cups Basmati rice(rinsed)
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 3 cups Beef broth
- 2 tbsp Pilau masala
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 4 whole Cardamom pods
- 3 whole Cloves
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick
- to taste Salt
- 1/4 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(for kachumbari, finely chopped)
- 1/2 medium Red onion(for kachumbari, finely chopped)
- 1 small Green chili(for kachumbari, finely chopped (optional))
- 1 tbsp Lime juice(for kachumbari)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the whole spices (cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 2
Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the cubed beef and brown on all sides. Season with salt.
- 5
Stir in the diced tomatoes and pilau masala. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to break down.
- 6
Add the rinsed basmati rice and stir to coat it with the spices and beef mixture.
- 7
Pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring the rice too much once it starts cooking.
- 8
While the pilau is cooking, prepare the kachumbari: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped tomatoes, red onion, and green chili (if using). Add lime juice and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
- 9
Once the pilau is cooked, let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- 10
Serve the Kenyan Beef Pilau hot with the fresh Kachumbari on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rinsing the basmati rice thoroughly is crucial for a fluffy pilau.
- ✓Do not over-stir the pilau once it starts simmering, as this can make the rice mushy.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your preference. For a spicier pilau, add more green chili to the kachumbari.
🔄 Variations
- Use chicken or lamb instead of beef.
- Add a few tablespoons of coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a creamier pilau.
- Include other vegetables like peas or carrots in the pilau.