Pilau with Beef Recipe from Kenya

Pilau with beef is a traditional and iconic dish in Kenyan cuisine. It’s often served during special occasions and celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, and holidays. But we have found it to make for an amazing dinner any time of the week.

There is much to celebrate at our program in Kenya. Last year alone, we distributed over 126,000 meals to local children in need. These meals are keeping children in school, restoring families, and spreading the gospel. It’s amazing what God can do with a simple meal. 

Making this dish might not be such a life-changing experience for you, but it will be an opportunity to try some new flavors, experience Kenyan culture with your family, and could open up some great dinner table conversations.

We hope you enjoy this delicious dish 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 with Beef (Kenya)

Forward Edge International
Pilau with beef is a traditional and iconic dish in Kenyan cuisine, it's often served during special occasions and celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, and holidays. But we have found it to make for an amazing dinner any time of the week. Connect with our Kenya program by making this delicious dish and learn how we're helping children in Kenya at www.forwardedge.org/kenya.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp ginger, minced
  • 1 serrano chile, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp pilau masala (see recipe or purchase on Amazon or specialty store)
  • 2 beef stock cubes
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 pound beef sirloin, cubed
  • 3 roma tomatoes, diced
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat a stockpot on medium-high heat. Add oil and heat until hot but not smoking.
  • Add the sliced onions and fry for 10-15 minutes or until the onions start to turn golden brown (be careful not to burn).
  • Add the garlic, ginger, serrano pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Add the cubed beef, pilau masala, beef stock cubes, bay leaves, cilantro, and salt to taste. Cook until the meat browns and caramelizes, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the tomatoes have released their liquid.
  • Stir in the potatoes and the water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the rice, and cover tightly with foil (to keep the steam in). Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  • Once the rice is dry, remove the foil and fluff with a fork to ensure the seasonings are well distributed throughout the rice.

Notes

You can substitute chicken and chicken stock for the beef and beef stock cubes. You can substitute beef stock for the water and cubes. This dish is great as leftovers -- making ahead and reheating will only increase the flavor.
Keyword beef, dinner, flavorful, kenya, pilau, rice, savory, traditional
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Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Miredita (hello), my name is Theo

  • location

    Kosova

  • 16 yrs. old

    09-21-2009

Entered the program: September 2023

Theo lives with his mother and sister in a one-bedroom apartment that they own. The family lived for many years in a rented apartment but the owner was always threatening to evict them as they couldn’t pay the rent regularly. Theo’s uncles and some cousins gathered enough money together to buy them the apartment they’re in now. Theo’s mom sleeps in the kitchen and he and his sister share the bedroom.

Theo's parents are divorced. His dad visits sometimes and tries to bring food to help out. Theo’s mom tries to make some money sewing traditional clothing in the summer when there are tourists. She receives government assistance but it doesn’t even cover the utilities; her siblings try to help with money for food and firewood, and hand-me-down clothes for Theo and his sister.

Theo's sister, Leona, is also in the Corner Stone 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.