Pilau is one of the great Kenyan dishes that show the diversity of our cultures through the art of food. It originated from the coastal region where they love their spices. Pilau is usually served during social gatherings like weddings.

There are several ways you can spice up this dish so that it can suit your palate but today, I will be focusing on the ultimate pilau recipe that will take your tastebuds to a whole new level! Let’s head straight into it!

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Serves: 8 

Prepping time: 15 mins

Cooking time: 30mins

Total time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Pilau Masala

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Pilau

¼ cup vegetable oil (60 ml)

2 medium red onions, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons ginger, minced

1 serrano Chile, finely chopped

1 tablespoon pilau masala

2 beef stock cubes

1 cinnamon stick

¼ cup fresh cilantro (10g)

1 lb. beef sirloin (455g), cubed

1 lb. potatoes (455g), waxy peeled and cut into 1 inch (2cm) chunks 

4cups water (960 ml)

2 cups basmati rice (400g)

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Preparation.

1. Make the pilau masala: In a medium bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, cardamon, black pepper and cloves. Set aside.

2. Heat a large pot over medium high heat. Add the oil and red onions and sauté them for 10 - 15 minutes until they are golden brown.

3.  Add the garlic, ginger, serrano chile, pilau masala, beef stock cubes, cinnamon stick and cilantro. Cook for 1- 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.

5. Add the tomatoes and cook for 4 - 5 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened.

6. Add the potatoes and the water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.

7. Add the rice and stir, and cover. Reduce the heat to the medium - low and cook for 20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!