Shavla
Shavla is a hearty and flavorful Uzbek dish, often described as a 'liquid pilaf' or the 'sister of plov.' It features rice cooked in a rich broth with tender meat, vegetables like carrots, onions, and tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. Shavla is known for its comforting, soup-like consistency and is considered a lighter, yet equally delicious, alternative to traditional plov.
🧂 Ingredients
- 120 ml Vegetable oil
- 400 g Mutton or beef(cut into small cubes or minced)
- 2 medium Onions(peeled and sliced)
- 400 g Red carrots(peeled and cut into not so long strips)
- 2 big Tomatoes(peeled and chopped)
- 1 small Green bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 300 g Short grain rice(washed)
- 1.4 liter Water
- to taste Salt
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- for sprinkling Fresh chopped coriander
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meat and fry until golden brown.
- 2
Add the sliced onions and fry until golden. Then add the chopped green bell pepper and continue frying until the oil starts to separate.
- 3
Add the chopped tomatoes and fry, stirring, until the oil separates. Then add the carrots and fry until they are half-cooked.
- 4
Pour in 1 liter of water, reduce the heat to medium, and let it simmer for 1 hour.
- 5
Add salt and spices (cumin seeds and ground coriander). Stir in the washed rice and add another 400 ml of water. Ensure the spoon runs easily through the mixture; add more water if needed.
- 6
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to very low. Cover the pot and cook until the rice is soft and fully cooked, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- 7
Check for saltiness and stir again. Remove from heat and serve, sprinkling fresh chopped coriander on top.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Short grain rice is recommended for a stickier consistency.
- ✓Stir frequently during the final stages of cooking to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- ✓Can be made with minced meat for a smoother texture, especially for children.
- ✓Some variations include dried apricots for added sweetness.
🔄 Variations
- Add dried apricots for a touch of sweetness.
- Use minced meat instead of cubed meat for a different texture.