Kabuli Rice

Name: Kabuli Rice
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Main dishes
Ingredients: 3 lbs lamp but you can use beef or chicken (cut into medium pieces ); 2 cups basmati rice (long grain); 1 large onion; 3 cups beef broth ( or water); 2 medium carrots; 1/4 cup raisins (preferably the long light coloured ones); 1 large orange; 2 tablespoon vegetable oil; 3 tablespoon butter; 2 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 tablespoon cardamom; 1 teaspoon clove; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon cinnamom; 2 leaves bay leaves; 1 teaspoon turmeric (optional); 1 teaspoon saffron

Prep30 min

Cook2h

Total2h 30m

Servings8

DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

3 lbs lamp but you can use beef or chicken (cut into medium pieces )
2 cups basmati rice (long grain)
1 large onion
3 cups beef broth ( or water)
2 medium carrots
1/4 cup raisins (preferably the long light coloured ones)
1 large orange
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon cardamom
1 teaspoon clove
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamom
2 leaves bay leaves
1 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
1 teaspoon saffron

Instructions

1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot, then add the meat and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Add the onions and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until softened.
2
Stir in all the spices, then pour in the orange juice followed by the broth or water. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender
3
Add the drained rice along with 3 cups of hot water. Bring back to a boil, then cover tightly (preferably with aluminum foil under the lid) and cook on low heat for exactly 15 minutes.
4
Remove the cover and gently fluff the rice with a fork. If the rice is not fully tender, sprinkle about ½ cup of water over it, cover again, and cook on low heat for another 10 minutes.
5
In a separate pan, melt the butter and sauté the carrots and raisins for 2–3 minutes. Add the brown sugar and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
6
Put the rice and meat in the serving plate add the fried carrots and raisin on top of the rice and meat. Optional you can sprinkle pine nuts over your Kabuli rice dish.

Chef's Notes

The name “Kabuli” refers to Kabul, the country’s capital and a historic crossroads of the Silk Road. In Afghan homes, Kabuli Pulao isn’t everyday food—it’s reserved for gatherings, celebrations, and honoring guests. Serving it is a sign of respect and generosity. In fact, in many households, the quality of the Kabuli rice reflects the pride of the cook.

Instructions

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