Pilau...and how

From my favorite Kenyan chef comes this Pilau recipe.  First, let me say that unless you're East African or Indian you may not be familiar with this unique flavor.  Do the "keeper" or "non-keeper" test with your family after making this; thumbs up or down...no hurt feelings!

The great thing about pilau (or pulau) is that you can make it with almost any meat. Chicken, beef, shrimp, or even mushrooms will do just fine.  I even made it with hot dogs once to prove a point to the kids that there WAS food in the house.  I like to cut the meat into bite sized pieces and brown first.  However, you can just add the raw meat to the rice while cooking for a more stewed effect.  Do this recipe once and you'll probably not have to follow the recipe again.  Don't hesitate to experiment with raisins, dried cranberries, peppers, cilantro, etc.

Spice:
1 1/2 T ground cumin*
1T ground cardamom*
1/2 t ground cinnamon*
1/2 t ground cloves*
1/2 t ground pepper*
* This will always be better when you grind the spices yourself but ground spice can be found on the shelves.

I have a "secret ingredient" I use in mine.  And in fact a couple of you will be receiving my fresh ground pilau seasoning as a gift for following me.  In the long run I may sell the pilau spice on this site for $8.99 + shipping. If you want to buy right now click this link and send me $14.00 Don't forget to include your address in the notes.

Rice Mix:
1 1/2 C rice
3 C water
2 carrots (medium dice)
2 tomatoes (cut into bit sized pieces)
1 onion (chopped)
1 celery stalk (sliced 1/4")
Liberal amount of olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

Heat oil in pan and add meat and brown for about 5 minutes.  Add onions then carrots then celery and cook for about 3 minutes.  Tomatoes next and also for about 3 minutes.  Then add rice until coated with oil and fry for about 2 minutes.  Add the spice mix and cook for an additional 1 minute stirring constantly.  Add water all at once and bring to a rolling boil. Then turn the pot down to a simmer, cover and leave covered for about 20 minutes.  If you're doing this with shrimp or mushrooms, add these after the rice has been simmering about 15 minutes so they only cook for 5 minutes.  When the water is absorbed, the pilau should be ready.  If it is still too boil it off stirring constantly.  Don't forget to taste and salt/pepper accordingly.  You will taste the spice but a little salt will really bring it out. 

The chef constantly reminds me to use a lot of oil.  I start with 5 or 6 tablespoons but do what you are comfortable with.

Enjoy this and if you get the thumbs up, you have another recipe for your repertoire.