Pilau Masala Recipe from Kenya

The rich flavors in Pilau Masala are a staple in Kenyan cooking, often mixed into rice. These flavors reflect Kenya’s diverse culinary landscape, showcasing a blend of indigenous African spices with those brought over by traders and settlers.

We hope you enjoy this delectable spice mix as much as we do and that it connects you in a deeper way with our extended Kenyan family. If you’d like to learn more about what our Christ-centered and holistic children’s program is doing in Kenya, you can do so here.

Pilau Masala (Kenya)

Forward Edge International
The rich flavors in Pilau Masala are a staple in Kenyan cooking, often mixed into rice. These flavors reflect Kenya's diverse culinary landscape, showcasing a blend of indigenous African spices with those brought over by traders and settlers. Connect with our Kenya program by enjoying this recipe and learn how we're helping children in Kenya at www.forwardedge.org/kenya.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Spice Mix

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tbsp cloves
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds or 4 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 stick cinnamon or 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tbsp black peppercorn seeds or 1 Tbsp black pepper
  • 12 cardamon pods or 1 Tbsp ground cardamom

Instructions
 

  • Place the cumin, coriander, black peppers, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves in a dry pan.
  • Roast over low heat until warmed through and fragrant and blend (if using the whole spices, a coffee grinder can be used) until smooth.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months or refrigerate for up to 6 months.

Notes

You need just 1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons for our Pilau with Beef recipe.
Keyword authentic, flavorful, kenya, pilau masala, spices, traditional
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Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Habari (hello), my name is Hannah

  • location

    Kenya

  • 12 yrs. old

    01-16-2013

Entered the program: May 2025

Hannah lives with her father, new stepmother, and three younger siblings in a new three-room metal house with electricity and a cement floor courtesy of the Mama Beth housing project. The home has a well-constructed kitchen and the family uses firewood for cooking. They also have and a good bathroom facility with a pit latrine. Water is retrieved from a neighbor’s borehole that is boiled for drinking.

Hannah's biological mother abandoned the family and her father suffered deep depression for a long time which affected his ability to work. Hannah had to take care of the home and her siblings, as well as go to school. The Mama Beth program has stepped in to help Hannah's family; they will be able to live in this home for three years while they get on their feet.

Hannah's siblings, Laban, John, and Ruth, are also in the Mama Beth program.

Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.