Uzbekistan Pilaf Recipe

PILAF by OLAVI

TASTES GOOD AND LOOKS BEAUTIFUL

UZBEKISTAN FOOD ADVENTURE

-Rice 2 cups ( Basmati ) –—–//water to cover rice
-Lamb shin ( or shank) 1 kg /2pounds cut in cubes /beef ok as well -Bay leave -2-3 pc
-Carrots 3 -4 orange and yellow mix
-Hard sour apples ( such as granny smith )2
-Quinces -2 ripe or apple
– Onions -2
-Blanched almonds 1⁄2 cup
-Vegetable oil 1⁄2 cup /sesame oil 1/4 cup
-2 whole heads of Garlic
-Salt
-Black pepper –pinch
-Paprika –1 tbl spoon
-Coriander 1 tbl spoon
-Black cumin seeds-tea spoon
-Red fresh chili pepper (optional )

-Dried apricots and raisins 1⁄2 cup each (optional) //optional quail eggs for décor

Prep time 20 m Cook1 h 40 m Ready In2 h

1. Place basmati rice in a large bowl and cover with warm water Wash few times to

   remove milky water . Set aside. Wash heads of garlic. Set aside.

2. Heat vegetable oil and sesame oil in KAZAN pot in , then add cubes of lamb, turning occasionally until the lamb is evenly browned, about 10 minutes. ( pull lamb out and put onions in )Stir in the onions; cook and stir until the onion has softened and browned, about 10 minutes. Add lamb back and add carrots ( carrots cut in thin slices. Stir in the carrots; cook and stir until the carrots have softened, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with cumin, coriander,(if like add barberries), and peppercorns ,salt . Drop whole garlic heads //red chili pepper into the mixture, stirring to evenly distribute ingredients. Add golden raisins and almonds Reduce heat to medium and add about a cup of water. Cover and cook for 30 minutes.

   Take out garlic and peppers and put aside.

3. Wash and drain basmati rice with hot water. Pour cleaned rice over the lamb mixture in an even layer. Slowly pour in the boiling water. The rice should be covered with about 3/4 inch of water. Do not stir. Season with salt, and reduce heat to medium- low. Add on top of rice apple (or quince), dried apricots and chili pepper ., Cover and cook until rice is tender, and the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. Stir rice and lamb together, and serve with the garlic heads on top.
4. You can slice apple and add boiled egg to decorate the plate.