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Savory rice dish topped with star anise and spices in black bowls on rustic table.
5 from 1 vote

Bariis - East African Pilau

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tbsp Cumin
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Coriander
  • 2 tbsp Chicken Bouillon
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 8 pieces Cloves
  • 8 pieces Cardamom or 1 tbsp powdered cardamom
  • 1 Stick Cinnamon or 1 tsp powdered cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Red or Orange Food Coloring
  • 1/4 cup Golden Raisins
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 large Onion
  • 2 Medium Shallots Finely Sliced
  • 3 cups Basmati Rice
  • 4 1/2 cups Water
  • 5 tbsp Oil

Instructions

  1. Rice your rice until the water runs clear
  2. Dice your onions and chop the shallots into thin long strips
  3. In a mortar and pestle, pound together the cilantro and garlic into a paste
  4. In a pot heat your oil
  5. Add in the onions and cook them until they are translucent
  6. Add in all your spices
  7. Add in the cilantro + garlic mix
  8. Add in your rice and lightly toast it. Make sure you do not burn the rice or the spices
  9. Add in the water
  10. Once it gets to a boil, reduce the heat down to the lowest setting and cover the pot with a tight lid. Do not uncover the pot for at least 20-25 minutes.
  11. Once the rice is fully cooked, lightly fluff it with a fork
  12. Add in your raisins and gently incorporate them into the rice. The heat of the rice will soften them
  13. Add in the food coloring and gently mix it in