Plov, a hearty dish of rice, meat, carrots, onions, and spices, boasts a rich history tracing back centuries, with variations found across cultures. Learn its traditional recipe and explore its cultural significance.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups long-grain rice

- 1 lb lamb or beef, cubed

- 2 large carrots, julienned

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 4 cups water or broth

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Spices: cumin, coriander, paprika

Method:

1. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear, drain.

2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, add meat and brown on all sides.

3. Add onions, cook until soft, then add carrots and cook for 5 minutes.

4. Stir in rice and spices, cook for 2 minutes.

5. Pour water or broth over the mixture, season with salt and pepper.

6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

7. Remove from heat, let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving. Enjoy your delicious plov!

Nutrition Value:

1. Long-grain rice (2 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 90g

  - Protein: About 8g

  - Fat: Less than 1g

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains small amounts of B vitamins and iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates and some essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

2. Lamb or beef (1 lb, cubed):

  - Calories: Around 800-1000 kcal (depending on the type of meat and fat content)

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: About 80-100g

  - Fat: Around 60-80g

  - Sodium: Varies (usually less than 1000mg)

  - Cholesterol: Varies (usually around 100-200mg)

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Good source of B vitamins, iron, zinc, and selenium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Rich in high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc necessary for overall health and muscle function.

3. Carrots (2 large, julienned):

  - Calories: Approximately 100 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 25g

  - Protein: About 2g

  - Fat: Less than 1g

  - Sodium: Around 100mg

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: High in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides antioxidants like beta-carotene, important for eye health and immune function, and contributes to fiber intake.

4. Onion (1 large, finely chopped):

  - Calories: Approximately 50 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 12g

  - Protein: About 1g

  - Fat: Less than 1g

  - Sodium: Around 5mg

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants and prebiotics that support digestive health and immune function.

5. Water or broth (4 cups):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Varies (broth may contain significant sodium)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Depends on the type of broth used

  - Nutritional Benefit: Hydration and can add flavor and nutrients if using broth.

6. Vegetable oil (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 480 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: About 56g

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains vitamin E

  - Nutritional Benefit: Source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

7. Salt and pepper to taste:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Depends on the amount added

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor, but excessive salt intake should be avoided for those with high blood pressure or heart conditions.

8. Spices (cumin, coriander, paprika):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains small amounts of various vitamins and minerals depending on the spice

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides flavor and may offer antioxidant properties and potential health benefits depending on the spice used.