🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice(rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- 500 g Beef or chicken(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Pilau masala
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 4 pods Cardamom pods
- 3 whole Cloves
- 1 inch piece Cinnamon stick
- 3 cups Water or beef broth
- to taste Salt
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 2
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the beef or chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
- 5
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften, about 5 minutes.
- 6
Add the pilau masala and stir well to coat the meat and vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 7
Pour in the water or beef broth and bring to a boil. Season with salt to taste.
- 8
Add the rinsed and drained basmati rice to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
- 9
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring during this time.
- 10
Once cooked, let the pilau rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the rice helps it cook evenly and absorb flavors better.
- ✓Don't over-stir the rice once it's added, as this can make it mushy.
- ✓Adjust the amount of pilau masala to your preference for spice intensity.
🔄 Variations
- Add a few chopped carrots or peas for extra vegetables.
- Use lamb instead of beef or chicken for a richer flavor.
- For a spicier pilau, add a chopped green chili with the tomatoes.