🇰🇪 Kenyan Pilau Njeri Recipe | How to Cook Pilau Njeri | Vegetable Rice Recipe | Infoods

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + coconut extract

Almond milk reduces calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

meat (chicken or beef)

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu provides a protein-rich alternative that's often more affordable.

fresh cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Dried herbs are more cost-effective while still adding flavor.

spices (cumin, cardamom, cinnamon)

🥗Healthier: mixed spice blend

💰Cheaper: single spices

A mixed spice blend can simplify preparation and reduce costs.

Place a heavy bottomed pot over medium flame.

Add 2 tbsp of cooking oil to the pot.

Add 1 diced onion, garlic, and ginger; stir and cook until onions are soft and garlic and ginger are fragrant.

Add cardamom pods and black pepper pods to the pot.

Add 2 diced tomatoes, a little bit of tomato paste, 1 tsp of cumin seeds, and paprika; cook until tomatoes are soft.

Add salt and 2 seasoning cubes; toss to combine with tomatoes.

Add carrots and potatoes, coating them with the tomato sauce.

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let potatoes simmer for around 2 minutes.

Wash 1.5 cups of basmati rice until the water runs clear.

Add the rice to the pot and stir for around 1 minute.

Add 3 cups of water and stir the rice again.

Bring the water to a boil, checking the seasoning and adding more salt if necessary.

Once the water has reduced, add capsicum, cover the pot, and simmer on low for around 5 minutes until rice is fully cooked.

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary