Qabili Pilau with Chicken is a traditional Afghan dish that combines tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, sweet carrots, and plump raisins, all infused with a blend of aromatic spices. This recipe, reminiscent of Afghanistan’s rich culinary heritage, offers a flavorful journey through its unique preparation.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Qabili Pilau with Chicken
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Description: A delightful Afghan recipe featuring chicken, rice, carrots, and raisins, offering a savory-sweet flavor profile with aromatic spices.
- Recipe Category: Curries
- Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Grains, Meat, Asian, Indian, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Spicy, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
- Aggregated Rating: 3 stars
- Review Count: 3 reviews
- Calories: 560.5 per serving
- Fat Content: 22.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 34.5mg
- Sodium Content: 469.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 76.3g
- Fiber Content: 5.4g
- Sugar Content: 19.4g
- Protein Content: 15.1g
- Recipe Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 6 cups water
- 6 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 5 tablespoons seedless raisins
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, brown the chopped onion in 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the chicken pieces and brown lightly.
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Simmer with Spices: Pour in 2 cups of water, then season with salt, cinnamon, cumin powder, and ground cardamom. Cover the skillet and simmer until the chicken is tender, about 1 hour. Once done, remove the chicken pieces and set them aside. Reserve the cooking juice.
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Prepare Carrots and Raisins: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced carrots with brown sugar in 4 tablespoons of oil until they are lightly browned. Remove and set aside. Then, add the raisins to the remaining oil in the skillet and cook until they swell up. Remove and set aside.
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Cook the Rice: Return the reserved cooking juice to the skillet. Add the basmati rice and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
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Combine and Bake: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Mix the cooked chicken, sautéed carrots, and raisins with the cooked rice in the skillet. Transfer everything into a large casserole dish, cover it, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve hot, garnished with additional raisins if desired.
Serving Tips
Qabili Pilau with Chicken is best served hot and can be accompanied by a side of yogurt or a fresh salad to complement its rich flavors. It makes for a satisfying main course that’s perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Nutritional Information
This dish provides a balanced nutritional profile, with moderate calories and a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. The addition of carrots and raisins adds natural sweetness and fiber, making it a wholesome meal option.
Final Thoughts
Qabili Pilau with Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a cultural experience on your plate. The blend of spices, the sweetness of raisins, and the tender chicken all come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exotic. Whether you’re exploring Afghan cuisine or looking to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable dining experience.
