Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.
4. Add the salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Add the rice to the pot and stir to combine with the beef mixture.
6. Add the water to the pot and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
8. While the rice is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds to the skillet and toast until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
9. Add the raisins to the pot and stir to combine.
10. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and sprinkle the toasted almonds on top.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for the pot and skillet
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Pine nuts or cashews can be used instead of slivered almonds.
- Dried cranberries or apricots can be used instead of raisins.
Variations:
- Add diced carrots and peas to the pot for a vegetable pilaf.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version.
- Add a pinch of saffron to the pot for a more fragrant and colorful pilaf.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Use a fork to fluff the rice after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Toasting the almonds adds a nice crunch and flavor to the dish.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pilaf in a large serving dish with the toasted almonds sprinkled on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or cilantro can be chopped and sprinkled on top for added color and flavor.
Pairings:
Kamir Pilaf pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Grilled zucchini
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is still hard after cooking, add a splash of water and continue cooking until tender.
- If the rice is too mushy, reduce the amount of water used in the recipe.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Kamir Pilaf is a traditional Uzbek dish that is typically served during special occasions and celebrations.
Flavor profiles:
Kamir Pilaf is a savory and slightly sweet dish with hints of cumin and paprika. The toasted almonds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve Kamir Pilaf as a main dish with a side salad or vegetables.
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Region: Uzbek