Embark on a gastronomic adventure with Azerbaijani Shah Pilaf, a dish that encapsulates the regal essence of Azerbaijani cuisine. This exquisite pilaf, known for its aromatic spices, tender meats, and fragrant rice, has been a culinary masterpiece passed down through generations, embodying the opulence and tradition of Azerbaijani royalty.

With a history rooted in the royal courts of Azerbaijan, Shah Pilaf holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate the artistry of cooking. This recipe invites you to delve into the secrets of creating a dish fit for a king, where the harmonious blend of spices and the meticulous layering of ingredients result in a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.

Join us on this culinary voyage as we explore the step-by-step process of crafting Azerbaijani Shah Pilaf, a dish that not only tantalizes the palate but also pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan. From the fragrant saffron-infused rice to the succulent pieces of meat and the subtle notes of herbs, each element of this recipe contributes to a harmonious and royal dining experience.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Azerbaijani cuisine, where Shah Pilaf reigns supreme as a testament to the culinary prowess and cultural richness of this captivating region. Let's embark on a journey of flavors that transcend time and connect us to the royal legacy of Azerbaijani dining.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 lb lamb or beef, cubed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (apricots, raisins, prunes), chopped
• 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts), chopped
• 1/2 cup dried barberries (zereshk), rinsed (optional)
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1/2 cup butter, divided
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Pinch of saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Rinse and Soak the Rice:

1-Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

2-Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Prepare the Meat:

1-In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.

2-Sauté the chopped onions until golden brown.

3-Add the cubed meat and brown on all sides.

4-Season with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper.

5-Pour in 2 cups of broth, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender.

Toast Nuts and Dried Fruits:

1-In a separate pan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.

2-Add the chopped nuts and dried fruits, sauté until golden and aromatic.

3-Remove from heat and set aside.

Parboil the Rice:

1-In a large pot, bring water to a boil.

2-Add the soaked and drained rice, cook for 5 minutes until it's parboiled.

3-Drain the rice.

Layering the Pilaf:

1-In the same pot, layer half of the parboiled rice.

2-Sprinkle half of the saffron water over the rice.

3-Add half of the meat and its broth.

4-Add half of the toasted nuts and dried fruits.

5-Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of rice on top.

Cooking the Pilaf:

1-Pour the remaining broth over the top layer of rice.

2-Drizzle the remaining melted butter and saffron water on top.

3-Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook over low heat for 30-40 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors.

Garnish and Serve:

1-Once done, gently fluff the pilaf with a fork.

2-Garnish with dried barberries (if using) and extra nuts.

3-Serve hot, and revel in the royal flavors of Azerbaijani Shah Pilaf, a dish that combines the richness of dried fruits and nuts with the elegance of aromatic spices. Enjoy!

Nutritional Values:

It's important to note that the nutritional values provided here are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. Additionally, the serving size may affect the overall nutritional content. Here's a general breakdown per 100 grams for some of the key ingredients:

Basmati Rice:

• Calories: 121
• Carbohydrates: 25.22g
• Protein: 2.45g
• Fat: 0.16g

benefits:

• Rich in carbohydrates, providing a good source of energy.
• Contains essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health.

Lamb (cooked, lean):

• Calories: 143
• Protein: 25.6g
• Fat: 4.8g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle health.
• Contains important nutrients like iron and zinc, contributing to overall well-being.

Onion:

• Calories: 40
• Carbohydrates: 9.34g
• Protein: 1.1g
• Fat: 0.1g

benefits:

• Packed with antioxidants that may help combat inflammation.
• Contains vitamins and minerals, supporting immune function and overall health.

Mixed Dried Fruits (apricots, raisins, prunes):

• Calories: 325
• Carbohydrates: 82g
• Protein: 3.4g
• Fat: 0.4g

benefits:

• High in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
• Rich in natural sugars and antioxidants, providing a quick energy boost and supporting cellular health.

Mixed Nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts):

• Calories: 607
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 54g

benefits:

• Excellent source of heart-healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals, promoting brain health and overall well-being.

Dried Barberries (zereshk):

• Nutritional values can vary; they are generally low in calories and fat but rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, contributing to a healthy immune system.
• Contains antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Chicken or Beef Broth:

• The nutritional content can vary, but broth is generally low in calories and contains small amounts of protein and fat.

benefits:

• Provides essential nutrients and minerals in a easily digestible form.
• Supports hydration and may have gut-healing properties.

Butter:

• Calories: 717
• Total Fat: 81g
• Saturated Fat: 51g

benefits:

• Contains healthy saturated fats, important for hormone production.
• Rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and D, supporting various bodily functions.

Vegetable Oil:

• Calories: 884
• Total Fat: 100g
• Saturated Fat: 14g

benefits:

• Provides healthy unsaturated fats, supporting cardiovascular health.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Ground Cumin:

• Calories: 375
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 23g

benefits:

• May aid digestion and promote gut health.
• Contains antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Coriander:

• Calories: 298
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 17g

benefits:

• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.

Ground Cinnamon:

• Calories: 247
• Carbohydrates: 81g
• Protein: 3.9g
• Fat: 1.2g

benefits:

• May have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Ground Turmeric:

• Calories: 354
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 10g

benefits:

• Contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• May support joint health and overall well-being.

Saffron Threads:

• Calories: 310
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 6g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may have various health benefits.
• May have mood-enhancing properties.

Please note that these values are indicative, and the actual nutritional content may vary. Adjustments can be made based on specific dietary needs and preferences.