Swahili pilau is a flavorful rice dish that is popular in the coastal regions of Kenya, including Watamu. The dish is a staple at GK Palms Resort and is often served with succulent grilled seafood or spicy curries. If you’re a fan of fragrant, spicy dishes, then you’ll definitely want to try this recipe for Swahili pilau from GK Palms.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of basmati rice
- 3 cups of water
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp of grated ginger
- 1 tsp of ground cumin
- 1 tsp of ground coriander
- 1 tsp of ground cardamom
- 1 tsp of turmeric
- 2 cups of beef or chicken broth
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the water and set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for another minute.
- Add the ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, and turmeric to the pot and stir well.
- Add the chopped tomato and cook until it has softened.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the spices.
- Add the beef or chicken broth and water to the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with cilantro, if desired.
Enjoy this delicious Swahili pilau with grilled prawns or any other seafood dish for a truly authentic coastal meal. You can also pair it with other Swahili dishes like biryani, kachumbari, and chapati for a feast fit for a king or queen. And if you’re ever in Watamu, don’t forget to visit GK Palms Resort to taste their version of this classic dish.
