ADVERTISEMENT

Plov: A Traditional Uzbek Rice Dish with Hearty Beef

Plov, a staple of Central Asian cuisine, is a flavorful one-pot dish that combines tender meat, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. Often associated with Uzbek cuisine, this simplified version, shared by a church chef, brings the authentic taste of Plov to your home in a fraction of the time. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe is rich in spices and full of hearty flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Central Asia. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or special occasion, Plov is sure to impress.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Plov: A Traditional Uzbek Rice Dish with Hearty Beef

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Experience the rich flavors of Uzbekistan with Plov, a traditional rice dish packed with hearty beef and aromatic spices! 🍚🍖 This one-pot wonder features tender beef, golden rice, and a blend of cumin, garlic, and saffron that transports your taste buds to Central Asia. 🌿✹ Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, it’s a dish that’s full of history and flavor. Ready to savor the warmth of tradition? đŸ˜đŸœïž #Plov #TraditionalUzbekDish #BeefAndRice #HeartyMeals #RiceLovers #CentralAsianCuisine #SpicedPerfection #ComfortFood #CulinaryJourney #FoodieAdventure 🍚🌿

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 2 onions, diced
  • 4 carrots, julienned
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 3 cups Jasmine rice, rinsed
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 head garlic, sliced crosswise

Spices:

  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (or adjust with extra salt and paprika)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef

  • Begin by heating a heavy Dutch oven pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add the beef stew meat and sear on all sides until browned.
  • Drain any excess foam that forms, rinsing the meat if necessary.

2. Simmer the Beef

  • Pour 4 cups of water over the beef and bring to a simmer.
  • Allow the beef to simmer gently for 1 hour until it becomes tender.
  • Once tender, remove the beef and set it aside.
  • Measure the cooking liquid and adjust it by adding enough water to total 4 cups. Set aside for later use.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

  • Wipe the pot clean, and return it to the stove.
  • Add the canola oil, followed by the julienned carrots and diced onions.
  • SautĂ© the vegetables over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

4. Add the Beef and Spices

  • Add the browned beef back into the pot with the sautĂ©ed vegetables.
  • Sprinkle in the ground coriander, ground cumin, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  • Mix everything thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices.

5. Add the Rice and Garlic

  • Layer the rinsed Jasmine rice evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture.
  • Place the sliced head of garlic crosswise on top of the rice.
  • Pour the reserved cooking liquid over the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
  • Shake the pot gently to avoid stirring the rice.

6. Cook the Plov

  • Bring everything to a light boil.
  • Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
  • Let it simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the flavors.

Notes

  • Adjusting Seasoning: If you don’t have Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, simply increase the salt and paprika by 1 teaspoon each to compensate for the added flavor.
  • Meat Substitutions: This recipe works well with pork, lamb, or chicken. For pork or lamb, follow the original instructions. For chicken, skip the 1-hour simmering and instead add raw chicken pieces directly to the pot when sautĂ©ing the carrots and onions.
  • Rice Variety: While Jasmine rice is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute with basmati or long-grain rice if preferred.
  • Flavor Variations: If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the spices for a subtle kick.
  • Serving Suggestions: Plov is often served with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad to balance out the richness. Try pairing it with a cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients: A Flavorful Combination of Meat, Rice, and Spices

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 2 onions, diced
  • 4 carrots, julienned
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 3 cups Jasmine rice, rinsed
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 head garlic, sliced crosswise

Spices:

  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (or adjust with extra salt and paprika)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Beef

  • Begin by heating a heavy Dutch oven pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add the beef stew meat and sear on all sides until browned.
  • Drain any excess foam that forms, rinsing the meat if necessary.

2. Simmer the Beef

  • Pour 4 cups of water over the beef and bring to a simmer.
  • Allow the beef to simmer gently for 1 hour until it becomes tender.
  • Once tender, remove the beef and set it aside.
  • Measure the cooking liquid and adjust it by adding enough water to total 4 cups. Set aside for later use.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

  • Wipe the pot clean, and return it to the stove.
  • Add the canola oil, followed by the julienned carrots and diced onions.
  • SautĂ© the vegetables over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

4. Add the Beef and Spices

  • Add the browned beef back into the pot with the sautĂ©ed vegetables.
  • Sprinkle in the ground coriander, ground cumin, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  • Mix everything thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices.

5. Add the Rice and Garlic

  • Layer the rinsed Jasmine rice evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture.
  • Place the sliced head of garlic crosswise on top of the rice.
  • Pour the reserved cooking liquid over the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
  • Shake the pot gently to avoid stirring the rice.

6. Cook the Plov

  • Bring everything to a light boil.
  • Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
  • Let it simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the flavors.

Tips and Notes for Perfect Plov

  • Adjusting Seasoning: If you don’t have Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, simply increase the salt and paprika by 1 teaspoon each to compensate for the added flavor.
  • Meat Substitutions: This recipe works well with pork, lamb, or chicken. For pork or lamb, follow the original instructions. For chicken, skip the 1-hour simmering and instead add raw chicken pieces directly to the pot when sautĂ©ing the carrots and onions.
  • Rice Variety: While Jasmine rice is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute with basmati or long-grain rice if preferred.
  • Flavor Variations: If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the spices for a subtle kick.
  • Serving Suggestions: Plov is often served with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad to balance out the richness. Try pairing it with a cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.

Why You’ll Love This Plov Recipe

This Plov recipe captures the essence of traditional Uzbek cooking, offering a savory, satisfying meal in just over an hour. The combination of tender beef, aromatic carrots, onions, and perfectly spiced rice creates a dish that’s both hearty and full of flavor. The use of canola oil, Jasmine rice, and a variety of spices like cumin and coriander brings out a depth of flavor that’s truly comforting. Whether you’re looking for a festive meal or a family-friendly dinner, Plov is versatile and easy to make, bringing a taste of Uzbekistan right into your kitchen.

Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish!

ADVERTISEMENT

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

ADVERTISEMENT