Cook with Me: Qabuli Palau, Afghan rice Step by Step EASY Recipe

lamb

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: beef

Chicken is leaner and more affordable than lamb.

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa offers more protein, while long-grain rice is budget-friendly.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: sultanas

Dried cranberries provide a tart flavor, while sultanas are often less expensive.

almonds

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts offer healthy fats, while sunflower seeds are cost-effective.

Welcome to my kitchen, my name is Iman and today we'll be making Qabuli Palau.

First, soak and wash the basmati rice.

Chop the onion and prepare the lamb.

Add the lamb to the pot to cook with the onion.

Add sugar to the carrots because they are not as sweet as Afghan carrots.

Steam the carrots for six minutes until the water evaporates and only oil remains.

Boil the soaked rice in a wider pot with enough water to cover it.

Boil the rice until it is halfway cooked, about 8 minutes.

Check if the rice is parboiled by feeling for slight softness and looking for stripes on the grains.

Strain the rice using cold water to wash off excess starch and prevent sticking.

Add salt and Palau spice to the parboiled rice and ensure it is covered by broth.

Transfer the lamb to the bottom of the pot without its water and add a quarter cup of oil.

Create holes in the rice for steaming and ensure there is only about half a centimeter of liquid at the bottom of the pot.

Turn the heat to high to evaporate excess water and then cover to steam.

Wrap a clean kitchen towel around the lid to help with steaming.

Assemble the rice by placing steamed carrots on one side and raisins on the other to prevent discoloration.

Do not open the lid while the rice is steaming to avoid breaking grains.

Plate the rice and drizzle the carrots and raisins on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary