Afghanistan rice, also known as Afghani rice or Kabuli rice, is a variety of long-grain rice known for its nutty flavor and fluffy texture. It is a staple food in Afghanistan and is often served with stews, curries, or grilled meats. Afghan rice is also a popular choice for pilaf, biryani, and other rice-based dishes. In this article, we will explore some of the best and most authentic recipes for cooking Afghan rice, providing you with a step-by-step guide to create delicious and flavorful dishes that will transport you to the heart of Afghanistan.
Let's cook with our recipes!
AFGHANI KABLI PULAO
This is a delicious kabli pulao made in a pressure cooker. The rice gets infused with flavor and has the perfect texture. This is a must-try! You can also prepare this on your stove top.
Provided by chanty475
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes Vegetarian
Time 1h39m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Soak the rice in cool water for 5 minutes. Rinse until water runs clear.
- Place 4 cardamom pods on a cutting board and lightly crush using the flat side of a knife; transfer to a pressure cooker. Add halved onion, garlic head, 4 cloves, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin seed, salt, sugar, cinnamon stick, paprika, and coriander seeds. Pour in water to cover.
- Seal pressure cooker lid and turn heat to high. Cook until pressure cooker whistles once, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Wait for 2 more whistles, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow pressure to release naturally, about 10 minutes.
- Strain broth into a bowl. Clean out the pressure cooker and heat it over medium heat. Add oil and chopped onion; cook and stir until softened and browned, about 7 to 10 minutes. Add carrots; cook until soft, about 3 minutes more. Add raisins, almonds, and strained rice. Add remaining 1 teaspoon black pepper, remaining 1 teaspoon cumin seed, and remaining clove.
- Crush remaining cardamom seed to a powder and add to the pressure cooker. Mix to combine; pour in enough broth to cover the rice.
- Increase heat to high and seal the pressure cooker. Cook until the first whistle, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Cook for 5 minutes and remove from heat. Let rest for 7 minutes; release the pressure naturally, about 10 minutes. Transfer cooked rice to a serving dish immediately to prevent overcooking.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 378.3 calories, Carbohydrate 70.7 g, Fat 8.2 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 8.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 401.5 mg, Sugar 10.1 g
QABALI - AFGHANI RICE
This recipe is Afghani cooking - its a rice dish that's very popular and very delicious. Serve with a nice meat sauce.
Provided by SWEETER THAN HONEY
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes
Time 1h40m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Place rice in a large bowl, rinse, and then soak in cold water for 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add carrots and 1 teaspoon sugar; cook, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in raisins, and continue cooking until the raisins are soft and plump. Remove from heat, and set aside to cool.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Strain rice, and then add to boiling water. Cook for about 5 minutes, then strain with a mesh strainer.
- In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup oil and 1 tablespoon sugar. Cook until sugar dissolves completely, making a syrup. Remove from heat , and cool. Once cool, add 1 cup water, and return to a boil.
- Return the rice to pan. Stir in carrots and raisins, and then mix in oil and sugar syrup. Season with saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, and cumin. Poke some holes with a spoon all over the rice. Cover, and cook over high heat until you hear crackling noises. Remove from heat.
- Bake, covered, in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and toss rice with a fork.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 278.7 calories, Carbohydrate 44.4 g, Fat 10.1 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 16.6 mg, Sugar 5.3 g
RICE FROM AFGHANISTAN
Found on ricegourmet.com. I don't know how authentic this recipe is to the rice served in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the directions were incomplete and ingredients were missing from the list. I made do with what I had to work with here.
Provided by COOKGIRl
Categories Rice
Time 33m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Soak the rice for 15 minutes. Wash well and drain. (I try to remember to soak and drain the rice first thing in the morning.).
- Heat the oil in a skillet or pot on medium and fry the onions until brown; about 5 minutes.
- Add the cinnamon, bay leaf, cloves and mace, and sauté a few minutes or until the spices start to smell fragrant. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the sugar; let the sugar caramelize about few minutes.
- Add the rice and sautè for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping up any rice that sticks to the bottom of the pan. Add salt to taste.
- Stir in 2 cups boiling water; bring to a boil, cover and simmer on low for 18 minutes or until the rice is perfectly cooked and the water has completely absorbed.
- Transfer rice to a serving platter.
- Remove the whole cloves before serving or at least warn the diners.
BASMATI RICE WITH CARROTS, RAISINS AND SPICES (KABLI)
Rice is the centerpiece of an Afghan party, and people always pay attention to see that it is cooked properly and that there is plenty. This dish is traditionally made with lamb, but because many customers at catering events are vegetarian, it has been successfully adapted to a vegetarian dish. I at least double the spice amounts but have posted the original quantities.
Provided by Annacia
Categories Low Cholesterol
Time 2h25m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Rinse rice under running water until water is clear.
- In large bowl, cover rice with water; soak for 1 hour, drain.
- Add salt to large pot of boiling water; add rice.
- Cover and simmer until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Drain, reserving 1 cup (250 mL) cooking liquid; set liquid aside.
- Pour rice into large Dutch oven.
- In skillet, heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the oil over medium-high heat.
- Add sugar; stir until dissolved.
- Add reserved cooking liquid; bring to boil.
- Slowly pour over rice, stirring to coat.
- Stir in cardamom, cinnamon, cumin and pepper.
- Bake in 450°F (230°C) oven until water is evaporated, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 200°F (100°C); bake, covered, for 1 hour.
- Spoon into serving dish, mounding attractively.
- Meanwhile, peel and cut carrots into very thin strips or grate coarsely.
- In skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat; saute carrots and raisins until tender, about 2 minutes.
- Spoon over rice.
Tips:
- To achieve the perfect texture for Afghan rice, it's crucial to use high-quality basmati rice. This long-grain variety is known for its distinct aroma and fluffy texture when cooked.
- Soaking the rice before cooking is an essential step that should not be skipped. This process allows the rice to absorb water, resulting in evenly cooked and fluffy grains.
- When measuring the rice, use a standard measuring cup and level it off with a knife or straight edge to ensure accurate proportions.
- The ratio of rice to water is a critical factor in achieving the desired texture. For Afghan rice, the ideal ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water.
- Using a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid is recommended for cooking Afghan rice. This type of pot will help distribute heat evenly and prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the rice comes to a boil, it's important to reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly. This will allow the rice to steam and cook evenly without overcooking.
- Resist the temptation to stir the rice during the cooking process. Stirring can break the grains and result in a mushy texture.
- After the cooking time is complete, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. This resting period allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and achieve a fluffy consistency.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains and create a light and airy texture.
Conclusion:
Afghan rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side accompaniment. With its aromatic basmati rice, delicate spices, and optional additions like nuts, raisins, or carrots, Afghan rice offers a delightful culinary experience. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, following these tips and trying out the recipes provided in the article will help you create an authentic and delicious Afghan rice dish that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Afghanistan through its beloved rice dish.
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