Best 3 Afghan Kabuli Pulao Recipes

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**Afghan Kabuli Pulao: A Culinary Journey to Afghanistan**

Kabuli Pulao, also known as Kabuli Palaw, is a quintessential dish in Afghan cuisine, celebrated for its aromatic rice, tender meat, and an array of flavorful ingredients. This iconic dish is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring succulent lamb or beef, fluffy steamed rice, and a medley of caramelized carrots, plump raisins, and slivered almonds. The delicate fragrance of cardamom, cumin, and coriander seeds, along with the vibrant hues of saffron, bestow upon this dish an unmatched allure. Whether it's a festive gathering, a special occasion, or a heartwarming family meal, Kabuli Pulao takes center stage, captivating the senses and leaving an indelible mark on the culinary landscape of Afghanistan.

**Unveiling the Culinary Treasures of Afghan Cuisine**

This comprehensive guide to Afghan Kabuli Pulao presents a collection of meticulously crafted recipes that encompass the diverse culinary traditions of Afghanistan. From the classic Kabuli Pulao with its tender lamb and aromatic rice to the vegetarian delight of the Afghan Vegetable Pulao, each recipe captures the essence of Afghan hospitality and the vibrant flavors that define this rich cuisine.

**1. Classic Kabuli Pulao with Lamb:**

This recipe showcases the traditional Kabuli Pulao, featuring succulent lamb slow-cooked in a flavorful broth infused with aromatic spices. The rice, cooked to perfection, absorbs the rich flavors of the lamb and the caramelized vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

**2. Kabuli Pulao with Beef:**

For those who prefer beef, this variation offers a tender and flavorful alternative to lamb. The beef is braised until fall-apart tender, contributing its rich flavors to the aromatic rice and the medley of vegetables.

**3. Afghan Vegetable Pulao:**

This vegetarian rendition of Kabuli Pulao is a delightful symphony of colors and flavors. A vibrant array of vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, green beans, and peas, are sautéed and tossed with fluffy rice, creating a nutritious and satisfying dish.

**4. Kabuli Pulao with Chicken:**

This recipe introduces a lighter, yet equally flavorful, version of Kabuli Pulao. Chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, then cooked until tender and succulent. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for everyday meals.

**5. Kabuli Pulao with Mixed Dried Fruits:**

This delightful variation adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the classic Kabuli Pulao. A medley of dried fruits, including raisins, apricots, and cranberries, is incorporated into the rice, creating a vibrant and colorful dish that is sure to impress.

**6. Kabuli Pulao with Pistachios and Almonds:**

This recipe elevates the classic Kabuli Pulao with the addition of crunchy pistachios and almonds. The nuts add a textural contrast and a nutty flavor that complements the tender meat and aromatic rice.

**7. Kabuli Pulao with Saffron:**

Saffron, the world's most expensive spice, lends its vibrant color and distinct flavor to this luxurious version of Kabuli Pulao. The delicate aroma of saffron permeates the rice, creating a dish fit for special occasions and celebrations.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

AFGHAN KABULI PULAO



Afghan Kabuli Pulao image

Make and share this Afghan Kabuli Pulao recipe from Food.com.

Provided by RawSpiceBar

Categories     Vegetable

Time 40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 . set 7 cups basmati rice
2 . set 2 large onions, diced
3 . set 3 ounces pistachios
4 . set 3 ounces slivered almonds
5 . set 2 large carrots, scraped and julienned
6 . set 10 ounces raisins
7 . set 1/3 cup sugar, divided
8 . set vegetable oil
9 . set olive oil
10 . set salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Earlier in the day: Place the rice in a large colander and run cold water over it to rinse it well.
  • Now pour the rice in a large bowl and cover it with cold water to soak for 4 to 5 hours.
  • Pour 1/6 cup of sugar into a large, hot saucepan over medium heat and keep shaking the pan until the sugar caramelizes.
  • Add 1 cup of the reserved lamb stock, the RawSpiceBar's Afghan Pulao Spices, salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and set aside.
  • Drain the soaked rice. Then, following the cooking directions on the package, boil it until just soft. Drain again and pour the rice over the caramelized sugar mixture and stir until the rice is well coated.
  • Using a frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and the remaining sugar and stir for 5 minutes or until caramelized and glossy. Add the raisins and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • With the underside of a large wooden spoon punch holes all over the rice allowing the steam to escape. Drizzle rice with olive oil.
  • Now, top the rice with the carrot mixture and the prepared lamb.
  • Cover with a tea towel and the lid of the pan. Make sure the towel is under the lid so it doesn't burn. Now turn the heat to high and cook the rice mixture for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat and keep it covered for 10 more minutes.
  • To serve, cover a large platter with a layer of the rice, spoon the lamb over it, and then all the remaining rice. Top with the carrot mixture and finally with the almonds and pistachios. This serves a large family, as is traditional with Afghan communities.

AFGHAN MARINATED LAMB (FOR KABULI PULAO)



Afghan Marinated Lamb (for Kabuli Pulao) image

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 RawSpiceBar's Afghan Lamb Rub
1.5 lb leg of lamb, cut in cubes
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 medium onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 cup water
1 salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Wash and pat the meat dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Over medium temperature heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and add the onion. Stir until just wilted.
  • Add the garlic and the saffron and stir to combine flavors.
  • Then add the meat, the rest of the vegetable oil, and keep stirring until the pieces are browned on all sides.
  • Add water, reduce heat to low, and cook, skimming the surface as needed. Cook for 1.5 hours, or until the lamb is fork tender.
  • Remove the lamb and set aside in a bowl.
  • Reserve the stock.

AFGHAN KABULI PULAO



Afghan Kabuli Pulao image

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 RawSpiceBar's Afghan Pulao Spices
7 cups basmati rice
2 large onions, diced
3 ounces pistachio nut slivers
3 ounces almond slivers
2 large carrots, scraped and julienned
10 ounces raisins
1/3 cups sugar, divided
1 vegetable oil
1 olive oil
1 salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Earlier in the day: Place the rice in a large colander and run cold water over it to rinse it well.
  • Now pour the rice in a large bowl and cover it with cold water to soak for 4 to 5 hours.
  • Pour 1/6 cup of sugar into a large, hot saucepan over medium heat and keep shaking the pan until the sugar caramelizes.
  • Add 1 cup of the reserved lamb stock, the RawSpiceBar's Afghan Pulao Spices, salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and set aside.
  • Drain the soaked rice. Then, following the cooking directions on the package, boil it until just soft. Drain again and pour the rice over the caramelized sugar mixture and stir until the rice is well coated.
  • Using a frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and the remaining sugar and stir for 5 minutes or until caramelized and glossy. Add the raisins and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • With the underside of a large wooden spoon punch holes all over the rice allowing the steam to escape. Drizzle rice with olive oil.
  • Now, top the rice with the carrot mixture and the prepared lamb.
  • Cover with a tea towel and the lid of the pan. Make sure the towel is under the lid so it doesn't burn. Now turn the heat to high and cook the rice mixture for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat and keep it covered for 10 more minutes.
  • To serve, cover a large platter with a layer of the rice, spoon the lamb over it, and then all the remaining rice. Top with the carrot mixture and finally with the almonds and pistachios. This serves a large family, as is traditional with Afghan communities.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality basmati rice for the best results. Basmati rice is a long-grain rice that is known for its delicate flavor and aroma.
  • Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the rice to cook evenly and prevent it from becoming sticky.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot for cooking the rice. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the rice from burning.
  • Do not stir the rice while it is cooking. Stirring the rice can break the grains and make the rice sticky.
  • Once the rice is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the rice to absorb all of the flavors from the other ingredients.
  • Serve the rice with your favorite Afghan dishes, such as kabobs, stews, or curries.

Conclusion:

Afghan Kabuli Pulao is a delicious and flavorful rice dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender rice, succulent lamb, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you are a fan of Afghan cuisine or are simply looking for a new and exciting rice dish to try, Afghan Kabuli Pulao is definitely worth a try.

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