How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the spice blend and marinate the chicken up to one day in advance.

What can I use as a substitute for cashews?

Try using toasted almonds or peanuts for a similar crunchy texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Substitute the chicken with a mix of vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers.

Can I freeze the cooked pilau?

Yes, cool it completely before freezing in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Spicy Tanzanian Pilau with Aromatic Spices and Cashews

Name: Spicy Tanzanian Pilau with Aromatic Spices and Cashews
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Ground cinnamon; Ground cardamom; Ground cumin; Ground black pepper; Chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; Natural yogurt; Lemon juice; Pilau spice blend; Salt; Basmati or tilda rice, rinsed until water runs clear; Chicken stock, low-sodium; Vegetable oil; Large onion, thinly sliced; Garlic, minced; Ginger, grated; Green chili, finely chopped; Unsweetened toasted cashews

A richly flavored rice dish with a hint of spice and crunchy cashews

Tanzanian Pilau is a fragrant, savory rice dish, spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, and a touch of heat, perfect for any occasion.

1 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

Pilau Spice Blend

Ground cinnamon

2 tsp

Ground cardamom

2 tsp

Ground cumin

2 tsp

Ground black pepper

1 tsp

Marinated Chicken

Chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 lb

Natural yogurt

2 tbsp

Lemon juice

1 tbsp

Pilau spice blend

1 tsp

Salt

To taste

Rice

Basmati or tilda rice, rinsed until water runs clear

2 cups

Chicken stock, low-sodium

4 cups

Flavor Base

Vegetable oil

2 tbsp

Large onion, thinly sliced

Garlic, minced

4 cloves

Ginger, grated

1 tbsp

Green chili, finely chopped

Unsweetened toasted cashews

1/2 cup

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Combine chicken and marinade

Combine chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, a teaspoon of the pilau spice blend, and salt.

Mix and refrigerate

Mix well, cover, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Bring to room temperature

Remove from fridge 20 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.

Preparing the Rice

Rinse and soak rice

Rinse rice thoroughly and soak in water for 20 minutes; drain well.

Ensure rice is fully drained to prevent sogginess.

Simmer stock

Heat chicken stock to a simmer; keep warm.

Use an equal amount of water if chicken stock is unavailable.

Set aside

Set aside for later use in cooking.

Cooking Process

Sautéing the Onions

Heat oil in a large pot; sauté onions until caramelized.

Time: 10 minutes; Heat: Medium heat.

Building the Flavor Base

Add garlic, ginger, green chili, and remaining spice blend; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Time: 2 minutes.

Combining Ingredients

Stir in marinated chicken; cook until lightly browned. Add rice and mix thoroughly.

Cook chicken and rice on low heat for 15 minutes.

Plating & Serving