Aromatic Azerbaijani Chicken Pilaf

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken, cut into pieces 500g (1.1 lb) chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (30g) slivered almonds, toasted 1/4 cup (30g) slivered almonds, toasted
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 55g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
4. 4.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown and caramelized.
5. 5.
   Remove half of the caramelized onions from the pot and set them aside for garnish.
6. 6.
   Add the marinated chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
7. 7.
   Add the drained rice to the pot and stir well to combine with the chicken and onions.
8. 8.
   Dissolve the saffron threads in 1/4 cup of hot water and pour it over the rice. This will give the pilaf a beautiful yellow color.
9. 9.
   Add enough water to the pot to cover the rice by about 1 inch. Season with salt to taste.
10. 10.
    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the pilaf to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
11. 11.
    Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
12. 12.
    Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer the pilaf to a serving platter. Garnish with the reserved caramelized onions, toasted almonds, and fresh cilantro or parsley.
13. 13.
    Serve the Aromatic Azerbaijani Chicken Pilaf hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and color of saffron, soak the threads in a small amount of hot water or warm milk for a few minutes before using.
• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains. Soaking the rice before cooking helps to prevent it from becoming sticky.
• Caramelized onions — Cook the onions slowly over low heat to achieve a deep golden color and sweet flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers.
• Add a pinch of ground cinnamon for a subtle warmth and complexity of flavor.
• To achieve a crispy rice crust at the bottom of the pot, known as "tahdig," cook the pilaf on low heat for an additional 10 minutes after the initial cooking time.
• Serve the pilaf with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.
• Leftover pilaf can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, either reheated or cold as a salad topping.

Serving advice

Serve the Aromatic Azerbaijani Chicken Pilaf as a main course, accompanied by a side of yogurt or a fresh salad. The pilaf can be enjoyed on its own or paired with traditional Azerbaijani bread, such as lavash or tandir bread.

Presentation advice

Present the Aromatic Azerbaijani Chicken Pilaf in a large serving platter, allowing the vibrant yellow rice and golden chicken to take center stage. Garnish with the caramelized onions, toasted almonds, and fresh herbs for an elegant touch. Serve with pride and let the enticing aroma captivate your guests.