Plov
Russian Rice Pilaf
A hearty and festive Russian adaptation of the classic Central Asian rice pilaf, featuring tender meat, sweet carrots, and aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Long-grain rice (like Basmati or Jasmine)(Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear, then soak in warm water for at least 30 minutes.)
- 600 g Lamb or Beef (chuck, shoulder, or leg)(Cut into 1-inch cubes.)
- 400 g Carrots(Peeled and cut into matchsticks (julienned).)
- 2 large Yellow Onions(Finely chopped.)
- 1 whole head Garlic(Trim off the root end, but keep the cloves intact within the head.)
- 150 ml Vegetable oil or rendered lamb fat (tail fat preferred)(Use a generous amount for frying.)
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Coriander seeds, crushed (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric (optional, for color)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper, freshly ground
- approx. 750 ml Hot water or broth(Enough to cover the rice by about 1 inch.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Zirvak (Meat and Vegetable Base): Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the cubed meat in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, and sear until deeply browned on all sides. Remove the seared meat and set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add the julienned carrots and cook, stirring, until they begin to soften and caramelize slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Return the seared meat to the pot. Stir in the ground cumin, crushed coriander seeds (if using), turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 2
Simmer the Zirvak: Pour in enough hot water or broth to just cover the meat and vegetables. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 3
Add the Rice and Garlic: Drain the soaked rice thoroughly. Carefully spread the drained rice evenly over the zirvak in the pot. Do not stir the rice into the meat and vegetable mixture. Gently insert the whole head of garlic into the center of the rice, pushing it down slightly into the zirvak. Pour hot water or broth over the rice, just enough to cover it by about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Steam the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot tightly with a lid (you can place a clean kitchen towel under the lid to absorb excess steam and ensure a tight seal). Let the rice steam undisturbed for 20-25 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 5
Rest and Serve: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for another 10-15 minutes. Before serving, gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing some of the meat and carrots from the bottom into the rice. Remove the garlic head. Serve hot.
⏱️ 15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to fluffy plov is to not stir the rice once it's layered on top of the zirvak. This allows the rice to steam properly.
- ✓Soaking the rice is crucial for even cooking and preventing it from becoming mushy.
- ✓A whole head of garlic adds a wonderful aroma and subtle flavor to the plov. It becomes soft and sweet when cooked.
- ✓Use a heavy-bottomed pot or a Kazan (traditional Central Asian cooking pot) for best results, as it distributes heat evenly.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your preference. More cumin is traditional.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For an Uzbek-style plov, add dried barberries and sometimes raisins along with the rice.
- Add a can of drained chickpeas along with the meat and vegetables in step 2 for added texture and protein.
- Use chicken thighs or pork shoulder as alternatives to lamb or beef.