Pilau ("Plow")
Pilau is a fragrant, spiced rice dish with tender chicken, raisins, and almonds, perfect for gatherings and flavorful family meals that showcase aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry onions in oil until soft.
- Add raw rice; fry until light golden brown.
- Add raisins and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, cinnamon, salt, cardamom, and cloves.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add cooked chicken and almonds.
- Cook until rice absorbs all liquid.
- Serve with plain yogurt on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ghee instead of oil for frying the onions. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth works as a suitable substitute. You can also experiment with different nuts like pistachios or walnuts instead of almonds. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sauté some garlic with the onions. Ensure the rice is well rinsed before cooking to remove excess starch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve pilau alongside plain yogurt to balance the flavors, enhancing the dish's richness. A simple cucumber salad or roasted vegetables can make great accompaniments. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Chicken 'Old Ladies On A Bus' or a side of Cabbage And Pork Sausage. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice and heat in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This will help restore moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pilau ("Plow") contains roughly 1176 calories, with 28g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (267% of the Daily Value), iron (184% of the Daily Value), and calcium (98% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2362mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
To prevent mushy rice, rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. Additionally, follow the recommended cooking times and avoid overcooking. If you find your rice is still too soft, try adding less liquid next time or using a rice cooker, which can help achieve perfect texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).