Aromatic Pakistani Pulao Recipe – A Flavorful Delight

Pulao Recipe

Introduction:

A beautifully presented Pakistani Pulao served in a traditional round platter with basmati rice, tender meat, garnished with coriander leaves, green chilies, and whole spices, set on a rustic wooden table with sides of raita and salad.
Pakistani Pulao

Pulao is a timeless Pakistani dish that perfectly blends fragrant rice with tender meat and subtle spices. It's a comforting and flavorful meal, loved by families across Pakistan. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and aromatic pulao that stands out. Let's dive into this classic yet unique Pakistani Pulao recipe!

Ingredients:

  • Basmati Rice: 2 cups (soaked for 30 minutes)
  • Beef or Chicken: 500 grams (cut into cubes)
  • Onion: 1 large (thinly sliced)
  • Tomato: 2 medium (chopped)
  • Yogurt: ½ cup
  • Green Chilies: 4-5 (slit)
  • Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
  • Ginger Paste: 1 tablespoon
  • Whole Garam Masala:
    • 4-5 Cloves
    • 2-3 Bay leaves
    • 4 Green Cardamoms
    • 1 Black Cardamom
    • 1 Cinnamon Stick
    • 1 Teaspoon Black Peppercorns
    • 1 Star Anise
  • Cumin Seeds: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt: To taste
  • Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Coriander Powder: 1 tablespoon
  • Turmeric Powder: ¼ teaspoon
  • Oil or Ghee: ½ cup
  • Fresh Coriander: For garnish
  • Water: As required (for boiling and cooking)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

  1. In a large pot, heat oil or ghee over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and fry until they turn golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  4. Now, add the meat cubes and cook until the meat changes color.
  5. Add tomatoes, yogurt, salt, red chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Cook on medium heat until the tomatoes soften, and the oil separates from the masala.
  6. Pour in 2 cups of water, cover the pot, and cook until the meat is tender.

Step 2: Boil the Rice

  1. While the meat is cooking, boil 6-8 cups of water in a separate pot.
  2. Add salt and whole garam masala (cloves, bay leaves, green cardamom, black cardamom, cinnamon, black peppercorns, star anise).
  3. Add the soaked rice and cook until it's 70% done.
  4. Drain the rice and set it aside.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Meat

  1. Once the meat is tender and the water has evaporated, layer the semi-cooked rice over the meat.
  2. Add slit green chilies and cumin seeds on top of the rice.
  3. Drizzle a few drops of ghee or oil over the rice for extra flavor.
  4. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the pulao steam (dum) on low heat for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Once the pulao is ready, gently fluff the rice with a fork.
  2. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
  3. Serve hot with raita or salad.

Conclusion: This aromatic Pakistani Pulao recipe is an easy yet delicious dish perfect for family meals or special occasions. The combination of tender meat and fragrant rice will leave your guests asking for seconds. Try this unique recipe today, and enjoy the rich flavors of traditional Pakistani cuisine.

Comments