Uzbek Delights: Lamb Plov
In the heart of Central Asia, the vibrant traditions of Uzbek cuisine offer a warm, aromatic embrace to food enthusiasts. Plov, a historical staple, showcases the harmony of lamb, carrots, and aromatic spices, making it a beloved dish that’s been shared around tables for generations. This Uzbek Plov is a soulful dish, perfect for a comforting dinner with a hint of adventure, steeped with the rich, earthy flavors of cumin and garlic. Let’s take a culinary journey that’s not just a meal, but a savory experience.
Serves: 2, Difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 250 grams of Lamb, cubed
- 200 grams of Basmati rice
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lamb and cook until browned on all sides.
- Remove the lamb and set aside. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the carrots, cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric, and cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Return the lamb to the pot, add the Basmati rice, and mix everything together.
- Pour in the water, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed, approximately 20 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
- For a deeper flavor, let the lamb marinate with cumin and salt for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to add a touch of chili powder for a hint of spice.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 180 calories (754 kJ) | 675 calories (2830 kJ) |
| Fat | 7g | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 75g |
| Sugars | 2g | 7g |
| Proteins | 15g | 55g |
| Salt | 0.5g | 2g |
