East African (Swahili) Pilau Rice Recipe | How to Make

long-grain rice

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice adds fiber and nutrients.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Coconut oil enhances flavor and aroma.

chicken or beef

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is plant-based and lower in cost.

green peas

🥗Healthier: edamame

💰Cheaper: frozen peas

Frozen peas are more affordable and retain nutrients.

Soak the rice for about 30 minutes, then drain.

Clean the rice by rinsing it under cold water until the water runs clear.

Peel and dice one large onion (or two medium-sized onions).

Add oil to a pot and heat it.

Add the diced onion, crushed garlic, and ginger to the pot.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and mix well.

Add the soaked whole spices and the homemade pilau spice mixture.

Add the drained rice to the pot and stir briefly to combine without burning.

Add the broth from boiling the meat and additional hot water to achieve a total of 4.5 cups of liquid for 2 cups of rice.

Bring to a boil uncovered, then cover and reduce heat once the water is almost gone.

Taste the liquid for salt and adjust if necessary.

If the pilau dries out before the rice is cooked, add boiling water incrementally.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: