Southern African Spiced Rice with Beef

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have replaced the traditional Azerbaijani spices with Southern African spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. The original dish typically uses lamb, but we have substituted it with beef for a more accessible option. Additionally, we have incorporated the cooking techniques and flavor profiles commonly found in Southern African cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Behili palov, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 cup (200g) basmati rice 1 cup (200g) basmati rice
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, and turmeric. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices.
4. 4.
   Add the basmati rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef broth and season with salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
6. 6.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. 7.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For tender beef, choose a cut suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or stewing beef. Trim any excess fat before cubing.
• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the beef cubes in the spice mixture for 1-2 hours before cooking.
• Add a handful of raisins or chopped dried apricots to the rice for a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Serve the dish with a side of chutney or pickles to complement the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Southern African Spiced Rice with Beef as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of paprika and a few fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color and freshness.