Kabuli Pulao - Afghan Rice dish Recipe -International Cuisine (2024)

By Darlene at International Cuisine

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Afghan Rice dishes are quintessential to Afghan cuisine, thisrecipe called Kabuli Pulao is complex and amazing. Weddings and family gatherings may feature several different rice dishes. Reputations are built on how well a rice dish is made. These elaborate dishes come in many flavors with each preparation being unique with its own name. This Kabuli Pulao is cooked with a unique blend of spices creates an amazing feast for all the senses.

This Kabuli Pulao is from the north in Afghanistan and many consider this to be the national dish. It is easy to see why, the dish is succulent with a lovely combination of flavors. It is not spicy like Biryani but has an elegance to it with glistening carrots and raisins and then the tenderness of the lamb. It is mild yet very flavorful. It has hints of cardamon, cinnamon and saffron. It may just be the sugar water at the end that is the crown jewel.

Remember this is a typically a special occasion dish. You can also add some toasted almonds or pistachios which would be a wonderful addition and totally authentic.

You will want to use Basmati rice for this dish or certainly a long grain one.

Why not set up a dastarkhan (covering) on the floor, add in some pillows, have a hand washing ritual and try eating with your right hand. It takes a little practice but once you get it you just may like it! It is a really fun way to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

Unbelievably delicious!

Kabuli Pulao (Afghan rice dish with lamb, carrots, raisins and apricots)

Kabuli Pulao is considered to be the national dish of Afghanistan. This recipe is elegant and delicious, you will love it!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Afghanistan

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 602kcal

Author International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice or other long grain rice
  • 1 lb. lamb cut into pieces
  • 2 carrots peeled and grated
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 1 cup apricots dried
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon saffron essence
  • 2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 sticks of cinnamon
  • ½ cup olive oil

Instructions

  • Heat the ½ cup of olive oil in a fry pan to medium, add the lamb with fat and fry until a golden brown.

  • Add 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon salt. (The oil will splatter when you add the water so be careful). Cover and simmer until the meat becomes tender.

  • Wash the rice and then soak for 20 minutes. Cook the rice following the package instructions for only half the time with 2 teaspoons cumin seeds and 1 teaspoon salt.

  • Drain the rice and set aside

  • In the meat mixture add the carrots, raisins, cardamom , apricots, cinnamon and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Cook all together for a minute or so.

  • Now add in the ½ boiled rice and ½ teaspoon of saffron essence.

  • Stir all together

  • In another pan, cook the 2 tablespoons of sugar in a saucepan till it melts and add ½ cup water and mix well. Pour this sugar mixture on top of the rice mixture and simmer for 20 minutes.

  • Serve hot!

Nutrition

Calories: 602kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 561mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 3905IU | Vitamin C: 5.4mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 3.1mg

You may also enjoy learning a bit more about Afghanistan here is Our journey to Afghanistan

If you are looking for more Afghan recipes be sure to check out the other authentic Afghanistan recipes below.

bolani - A stuffed flatbread

Kebab-e-murgh Chicken Kebab marinated in a yogurt cumin sauce.

Kabuli Pulao – Afghan rice dish made lamb, carrots, raisins and apricots.

Borani Banjan – Eggplant baked in a tangy tomato sauce

Afghan Salata – cucumbers, tomatoes and onions with a light lemon dressing

Sheer Birinj – Rice pudding with almonds and cardamom

More Afghanistan

  • Bolani - An Afghan Stuffed Flat Bread
  • Sheer Birinj – Afghan Rice Pudding
  • Afghan Salata - Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Onions with Lemon Dressing
  • Borani Banjan –Afghan Eggplant Dish

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Kabuli Pulao - Afghan Rice dish Recipe -International Cuisine (2024)

FAQs

Which country made Kabuli Pulao? ›

Kabuli pulao (Dari: قابلی پلو, pronounced [qɒːbeliː pæ:læw], also transcribed as Kabuli pulaw or Qabeli palaw, Pashto: کابلي پلاو‎ Kabeli palaw) is a variety of pilaf made in Afghanistan.

What is the meaning of Kabuli Pulao? ›

Kabuli Pulao was a dish originally created by the upper-class families of Kabul who could afford to include caramelized carrots, raisins, and nuts in their rice. With time, as the masses became wealthier the dish became more common and a staple all around.

What type of rice is used in Afghanistan? ›

Afghan cuisine uses short grain and long grain rice. It's very important to buy the best and least processed Basmati rice.

What is the meaning of Kabuli Palaw? ›

Kabuli Pulao is Afgani-Turkish-Uzbeki-Tajiki Meat-Rice preparation. It's the national dish of Afganistan. It's a special occassion dish which is widely famous and named after the city of “Kabul” where it originated.

What is Afghanistan's national dish? ›

The national dish of Afghanistan is Kabuli palaw, a rice dish cooked with raisins, carrots, nuts, and lamb or beef.

Why is Kabuli Pulao famous in Afghanistan? ›

Kabuli Palau was created by the upper class families of Kabul who could afford to include caramalized carrots, plump raisins and coveted nuts in their rice. Over time as people in Afghanistan became wealthier this dish became more common.

What do we call pulao in English? ›

/pɪˈlaʊ/ (also pilau) (also pilaf, pilaff) [uncountable, countable] ​a hot spicy Eastern dish of rice and vegetables and often pieces of meat or fish.

What is a pulao in english? ›

Pulao may refer to: Pilaf, a popular rice dish consumed mainly in Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. Pulao (dragon), a small dragon that appears as a decoration on Chinese bells.

What nationality is pulao? ›

It is contended to have originated in India and traces of this dish were found in ancient Indian texts. It is also speculated that the dish was invented by either the Spanish or Persians. It's a rice dish with a stock of spices, rice, and meat or vegetables.

What is the number 1 food in Afghanistan? ›

Kabuli Pulao

This Northern Afghan dish has become such a staple that it is often referred to as the national dish of Afghanistan. A long-grained or basmati rice dish cooked in a broth sauce which can be made with meats or just veggie.

What are 3 foods from Afghanistan? ›

Charcoal-barbequed kebabs, curries and rice are also common celebration foods. Afghans always treat guests with respect and offer the best food they can provide. Meals for guests often include four or five main dishes served with rice.

What is the most eaten food in Afghanistan? ›

Lamb and chicken are widely enjoyed, with the Afghan lamb kebab a very popular street food. Korma is type of stew with a base of fried onion and garlic, and can include meat, vegetables, chickpeas, tomato, fruit, yogurt and spices. Rice is a specialty and considered the best part of any meal.

What is Kabuli Pulao made of? ›

Kabuli Pulao is an incredibly delicious dish from Afghanistan, as the name suggests. This light and aromatic rice dish with lamb, other meat or poultry, that's jeweled with carrots and raisins is the Afghan national dish.

What is the difference between biryani and Kabuli Pulao? ›

Rice: Pulao is made with long-grain rice, while Biryani is made with basmati rice. Cooking Method: Pulao is cooked by boiling rice in a seasoned broth. Biryani is cooked by layering cooked rice with meat or vegetables and a flavorful sauce. Spices: Pulao is typically made with fewer spices compared to Biryani.

What is the difference between Afghani Pulao and biryani? ›

While pulao is typically served as a side-dish or a part meal alongside gravy-based vegetables or dals, a biryani is a whole meal on its own, generally served with 'mirch ka saalan' and 'chutney'. When it comes to preparing pulao, it is a much simpler procedure that uses the absorption method.

Where is pulao originated from? ›

The origin of pulao is said to be earlier than that of biryani, and it is thought to have deep origins in India. It is regarded as a less complex version of biryani. The absorption method is used to prepare pulao, in which rice, meat, or vegetables are all cooked at the same time with moderate spices.

Where pulao has its origin? ›

Talking about its name, the word Pulao is derived from the Iranian or Arabic word 'Pilaf' or 'Pallaao'. It was first mentioned in the books of the Iranian scholar Avicenna. This is the reason why the credit for this dish is given to Iran. However, it also has its roots in Sanskrit literature.

What is Afghanistan famous food? ›

The treasured national dish called Kabuli (or Qabli) Pulao consists of slow-cooked meat in a dome of gently seasoned rice with lentils, raisins, carrots, ground cardamom and nuts. And of course bread (naan) is eaten with just about everything.

Which is the famous pulao of Pakistan? ›

Degi chana pulao is a very famous Pakistani dish usually served at gatherings or distributed during the holy months of Muharram and Ramadan. Pulao is a Pakistani rice dish made with long-grain basmati rice and yakhni, caramelized onions, meat, chicken, or any other vegetables of your choice.

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