MURAT COOKING TURKMEN PILAF AT MY HOUSE ST PETERSBURG

lamb

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner and pork is often less expensive.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: sunflower oil

Olive oil is healthier while sunflower oil is often cheaper.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried apricots

💰Cheaper: sultanas

Dried apricots are lower in sugar and sultanas are more affordable.

barberries

🥗Healthier: cranberries

💰Cheaper: dried cherries

Cranberries are a healthier option, while dried cherries are more accessible.

Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.

Soak rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in diced lamb and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.

Add sliced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add garlic, cumin, black pepper, and salt, mixing well to combine.

Pour in water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Add drained rice on top of the meat and vegetables without stirring.

Gently pour in enough water to cover the rice by about an inch.

Add raisins, chickpeas, bay leaves, and barberries on top of the rice.

Cover the pot tightly and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.

Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: