How to Make Afghani Kabuli Pulao - A Step-by-Step Guide

Afghani Kabuli Pulao is a traditional dish from Afghanistan, known for its fragrant and flavorful rice mixed with tender pieces of meat and sweet caramelized carrots. This dish is a staple in Afghan cuisine and is often served during special occasions and family gatherings. The combination of spices and techniques used in this recipe creates a dish that is not only delicious but also represents the rich culinary heritage of Afghanistan.

The key ingredient in this dish is long-grain ba...

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Ingredients

  • 1 onion, peeled and halved
  • 1 whole head garlic, loose skins removed
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cardamom pods, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 3 ½ cups water, or as needed to cover
  • 2 cups sella basmati rice
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seed
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cardamom pod, shell removed and seeds crushed into a powder
  • 1 whole clove

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 42 mins
  • Additional Time: 32 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 39 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Make the broth: Place halved onion, garlic head, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, pepper, cumin seed, salt, sugar, paprika, coriander seeds, and cloves into a pressure cooker. Pour in water to cover.
  • Close the cooker securely and place the pressure regulator over the vent according to manufacturer's instructions. Set to high and heat until steam escapes in a steady flow and makes a whistling sound, about 5 minutes. Reduce to medium and cook for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally, about 10 minutes. Unlock the lid and remove.
  • When the broth is almost finished, start the rice: Soak rice in cool water for 5 minutes, then rinse until water runs clear.
  • Strain cooled broth into a bowl. Clean out the pressure cooker, then place over medium heat and add oil.
  • Add onion and garlic to the cooker; cook and stir until softened and browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in carrots and cook until soft, about 3 minutes more. Add strained rice, raisins, almonds, cumin seed, pepper, cardamom powder, and clove. Stir to combine, then pour in enough broth to cover.
  • Close the cooker securely and seal the vent; set to high and heat until the first whistle, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce to medium and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let rest for 7 minutes, then let pressure release naturally, about 10 minutes. Immediately transfer cooked rice to a serving dish to prevent overcooking.
  • Nutrition

    378 cal.

    • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Sodium: 402mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 71g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 10g
    • Protein: 9g
    • Vitamin C: 7mg
    • Calcium: 89mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 292mg