Savory Meat and Rice Pilaf
Elevate your weeknight dinner menu with this aromatic and hearty Savory Meat and Rice Pilaf. This one-pot wonder combines perfectly tender basmati rice and bite-sized pieces of flavorful chicken, beef, or lamb, simmered in a fragrant blend of ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and warming spices like cinnamon and bay leaf. Enriched with butter and olive oil for a luscious texture, the pilaf is cooked in savory broth for maximum depth of flavor. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this recipe is a satisfying blend of spices, protein, and grains, ready in under an hour. Perfect for family meals or casual gatherings, this versatile dish offers bold flavors and effortless elegance in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 pound boneless meat (chicken, beef, or lamb)
- 1 large onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain well.
Cut the meat into bite-sized cubes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the meat to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper, and cook until the meat is browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
Pour the broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Stir in the soaked and drained rice. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and all liquid is absorbed.
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
Gently fluff the rice with a fork, remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
481 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.9 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 112 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 1479 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.5 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g | ||
| Protein | 40.6 g | 81% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 79 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 515 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
