Pilau Rice

Pilau is East Africa's aromatic spiced rice — fragrant with cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. A staple at celebrations across Kenya and Tanzania, it's comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients

• 3 cups basmati rice (rinsed)
• 500g beef (cubed)
• 4 onions (sliced)
• 3 tomatoes (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
• 2 tablespoons pilau masala
• 2 potatoes (quartered)
• 3 cups water
• Fresh coriander
• Oil for frying
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Fry sliced onions in oil until deeply golden brown. Remove half and set aside for garnish.
2. To the remaining onions, add garlic, ginger, and pilau masala. Stir for 2 minutes.
3. Add diced beef and brown on all sides.
4. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Add 3 cups water, bring to a boil, then simmer until meat is tender (about 30 min).
6. Add rinsed basmati rice and potatoes. Water should cover rice by 1 inch.
7. Cover tightly and cook on lowest heat for 20 minutes.
8. Do not stir. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
9. Fluff with fork and garnish with fried onions and fresh coriander.