Description
A fragrant one-pot rice dish from Central Asia, Uzbek Plov is made with tender chunks of beef, sweet carrots, garlic, and perfectly seasoned rice — simple, hearty, and deeply flavorful comfort food.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large carrots, julienned
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 head of garlic (whole, unpeeled)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 3 cups water or beef broth
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
- In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions and cook until golden. Stir in carrots and sauté for 5–6 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Nestle the whole garlic head in the center.
- Spread the rinsed rice over the beef and vegetables in an even layer (do not stir).
- Gently pour in water or broth to cover the rice by about 1/2 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Let rest for 10 minutes. Fluff rice, discard garlic if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use beef broth for a richer flavor.
- You can substitute lamb for beef for a more traditional version.
- Plov is often served with pickled vegetables or a simple salad on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg