Best 3 Afghan Kabuli Pulao Recipes

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The national dish of Afghanistan, Afghan Kabuli Pulao is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that is often served as a celebratory meal. The traditional recipe calls for lamb or beef, basmati rice, carrots, raisins, and a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, and cardamom. The rice is cooked in a spiced broth, and the meat and vegetables are added towards the end of the cooking process. Afghan Kabuli Pulao is typically served with a yogurt sauce and a side of Afghan bread. This dish is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

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 for Making Afghan Kabuli Pulao:

- Use high-quality basmati rice: This will ensure that the rice is fluffy and separate after cooking. - 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: This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the rice from burning. - Add the right amount of water: The ratio of water to rice is important for getting the perfect texture. For Afghan Kabuli Pulao, the ratio is typically 2:1 (water to rice). - Bring the water to a boil before adding the rice: This will help to prevent the rice from clumping together. - Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes: Do not stir the rice while it is cooking, as this can also cause the rice to become sticky. - After the rice is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving: This will allow the rice to absorb all of the flavors from the spices and vegetables.

Conclusion:

Afghan Kabuli Pulao is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its fragrant spices and tender lamb, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting recipe to try, be sure to give Afghan Kabuli Pulao a try!

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