Pilau ya NyamaKenyan Beef Pilau
A fragrant rice dish cooked with beef, browned onions, and warm whole spices until every grain is savory and aromatic. This coastal Kenyan favorite is rich, celebratory, and deeply satisfying.
Prep
20m
Cook
1h 20m
Serves
6
Regional versions
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- Kenya
- Tanzania
Estimated
Nutrition
Calories
Protein
Fat
Carbs
Estimated per serving from the base recipe. Actual nutrition may vary.
Before you start
Ingredients
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Rice
- 500gBasmati Rice (rinsed)
Beef
- 650gBeef Shoulder (cut into chunks)
- 220gOnion (finely chopped)
- 220gTomato (finely chopped)
- 15gGarlic (crushed)
- 15gFresh Ginger (crushed)
- 45mlVegetable Oil
- 4gCumin Seeds
- 4gCardamom Seeds
- 2gClove
- 1pcsCinnamon Stick
- 3gBlack Pepper
- 10gSalt
- 650mlWater
Rice
- 500mlWater
Cook through it
Method
Follow each step in order. Ingredient names are highlighted as you go.
- 01
Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until deeply golden.
- 02
Stir in the garlic and fresh ginger, then add the cumin seeds, cardamom seeds, clove, and cinnamon stick and cook briefly until fragrant.
- 03
Add the beef shoulder and brown it on several sides. Add the tomato and cook until it softens.
- 04
Pour in the water and add the salt and black pepper. Cover and simmer until the beef is tender.
- 05
Stir in the basmati rice and water. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly, and cook over low heat until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- 06
Rest off the heat for 10 minutes, remove the cinnamon stick, and fluff gently.
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