Pilau with Beef (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. Connect with our Kenya program by making this delicious dish and learn how we're helping children in Kenya at www.forwardedge.org/kenya.
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.