Recipe by Lolita Pinto
UZBEK PLOV
Makes 5-6 portions
750gms beef or mutton
900gms uncooked rice (soaked in water for 15-20 mins)
3 large onions (cut in rings)
4 large carrots (cut thin, 1.5" long slices)
200 ml vegetable oil
1/2 cup chickpeas (soaked for a few hours)
2 garlic pods (whole)
salt to taste
pepper to taste
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp fenugreek
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp paprika
Steps:
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Fry sliced onions until golden.
- Cut meat into large cubes, add to oil and cook until meat is brown.
- Now add the sliced carrots to the meat and onions.
- Add chickpeas and whole garlic pods.
- Add salt, pepper and other spices (as required) and fry for 2-3 mins.
- Pour water just to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil, then simmer on very low heat until carrots, chickpeas and meat are cooked. Do NOT stir. Take note that the meat can be tough sometimes and can take longer to cook.
- Now wash and drain the soaked rice and layer it on top of the carrots in the pan. Season generously with salt. Before adding rice, make sure the meat is cooked well, else the rice may become soggy.
- Pour boiling water over the pan until it covers the rice (around 2 cm abovethe rice).
- Cook on high heat for 3-4 minutes, and then reduce heat to low, cover pan with a lid and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
- To serve, place rice on the bottom of the plate, followed by sliced carrots and chunks of meat on top of it.
- Serve with a simple salad (recipe below).
- ENJOY!
SIMPLE SIDE SALAD
Ingredients:
1 cucumber (finely sliced)
1 tomato (finely sliced)
1 onion (finely sliced)
salt to taste
pepper to taste
olive oil
Steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cucumber, tomato and onion and mix well.
- Add salt and pepper and mix.
- Drizzle some olive oil and give it a final toss.
- ENJOY!