National Dish Of Afghanistan

Kabuli Pulao

  • 17 Ingredients
  • 130 Minutes*
  • 600 Calories**
Kabuli Pulao - The national dish of Afghanistan

A Little History...

Afghanistan's national dish is "Kabuli Pulao" (sometimes spelled as "Qabili Palaw" or "Qabili Pilau"). This rich and aromatic dish is a source of national pride and is often served at gatherings and special occasions. Kabuli Pulao is a fragrant rice dish that combines long-grain basmati rice cooked with a blend of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin. The distinctiveness of the dish comes from its unique preparation and presentation. It typically includes tender chunks of lamb or beef, which are cooked with a mixture of fried onions, carrots, and raisins. These ingredients provide a sweet and savory contrast that characterizes the dish. Read More...

The rice is often cooked to a golden brown color, and sometimes a small amount of sugar is added to caramelize the carrots and raisins, enhancing their natural sweetness. Nuts like almonds or pistachios may also be added for additional flavor and texture.

Kabuli Pulao is not just a culinary delight but also an integral part of Afghan culture, reflecting the nation’s history and its position along ancient trade routes where various cultural influences merged.

The history of Kabuli Pulao, Afghanistan’s national dish, is deeply intertwined with the country’s rich cultural and historical tapestry, influenced by its location along the Silk Road.

Silk Road Influences: Afghanistan’s position on the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting East and West, played a significant role in shaping its cuisine. Kabuli Pulao, with its blend of spices, fruits, and nuts, reflects these diverse cultural influences. Ingredients like cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon, commonly used in the dish, were traded along these routes.

Royal Origins: The origins of Kabuli Pulao are often traced back to the upper echelons of Afghan society. It is believed to have been a dish of the royal courts and wealthy, showcasing luxurious ingredients like basmati rice, nuts, and raisins, which were expensive and considered delicacies.

Urban Association: The dish is particularly associated with Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. Its name, “Kabuli Pulao,” literally means “pulao from Kabul.” Over time, it became a symbol of Afghan culinary tradition, especially in urban areas.

Evolution Over Time: While initially a luxury dish, over time Kabuli Pulao evolved into a meal that is widely enjoyed across various segments of Afghan society. Local variations emerged, with different regions adding their unique touch to the recipe.

Cultural Significance: Beyond its delicious taste, Kabuli Pulao holds a special place in Afghan culture. It is often served during important events and celebrations, such as weddings, festivals, and important family gatherings, symbolizing hospitality and generosity.

International Recognition: With the Afghan diaspora, Kabuli Pulao has gained international recognition, introducing people around the world to Afghan cuisine. In every country where Afghans have settled, this dish has become a way to connect with their heritage and share their culture with others.

Kabuli Pulao, with its rich flavors and intricate preparation, represents a convergence of historical influences and the culinary artistry of Afghanistan. It’s not just a dish, but a story of Afghanistan’s history and cultural diversity, narrated through its ingredients and flavors.

Delicious Ingredients...

Make it at Home...

Recipe Variations

Step 1

Prepare the Meat:

  • Heat oil in a large pot and sauté the onions until golden.
  • Add the garlic, lamb or beef, and spices (cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, coriander, and salt). Cook until the meat is browned.
  • Add the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the meat is tender (about 1.5 hours).

Step 2

Prepare the Carrots and Raisins:

  • In a separate pan, sauté the julienned carrots in a bit of oil until they start to soften.
  • Add the raisins and cook for another couple of minutes. Set aside.

Step 3

Cook the Rice:

  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add salt and the soaked, drained rice.
  • Cook the rice until it’s about half done, then drain it.

Step 4

Layer the Pulao:

  • In a large pot, spread half of the cooked rice.
  • Layer the cooked meat over the rice, then add the remaining rice on top.
  • Sprinkle the sautéed carrots and raisins over the rice.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for about 20-30 minutes.

Step 5

Serve:

  • Carefully mix the pulao when serving to distribute the meat, carrots, and raisins.
  • Garnish with slivered almonds and pistachios.

Step 6

Tips

  • You can adjust the amount of broth depending on how tender you prefer the meat.
  • The key to perfect Kabuli Pulao is the balance of flavors and the distinct layers in the dish.
  • Serve with a side of yogurt or salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your homemade Kabuli Pulao, a dish rich in flavors and emblematic of Afghan culinary traditions!

Prepration Time*

Preparing and cooking Kabuli Pulao generally takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. The initial preparation, including slicing onions, mincing garlic, julienning carrots, and soaking the rice, typically requires about 30 minutes. Browning the meat and sautéing the onions and spices takes about 20 minutes, followed by simmering the meat in broth for approximately 1.5 hours until tender. Concurrently, the carrots and raisins are sautéed, which takes about 10 minutes. The rice is parboiled separately, taking around 15 minutes, including the time to bring the water to a boil. Finally, assembling and steaming the layered pulao requires an additional 20-30 minutes. This dish, while time-consuming, is integral to achieving the rich layering of flavors and textures that are characteristic of authentic Kabuli Pulao.

Calories**

A single serving of Kabuli Pulao typically contains approximately 500-700 calories, though this can vary based on the specific recipe and portion sizes. The caloric density of the dish is largely attributed to the use of lamb or beef, which are high in protein and fat, and basmati rice, which contributes a significant amount of carbohydrates. Additional calories come from the cooking oil, nuts, and dried fruits like raisins and carrots used in the dish. While Kabuli Pulao is rich in energy and nutrients, the inclusion of meat, rice, and oil makes it a high-calorie dish, often enjoyed as a hearty and satisfying meal, especially on special occasions.

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The preparation time of Pelmeni can vary depending on the recipe & the skill level of the cook. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to prepare the Pelmeni dough & filling, and another 20-30 minutes to shape the dumplings & cook them.
Comment By: Wael Wafik - June, 17, 2023
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The preparation time of Pelmeni can vary depending on the recipe & the skill level of the cook. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to prepare the Pelmeni dough & filling, and another 20-30 minutes to shape the dumplings & cook them.
Comment By: Wael Wafik - June, 17, 2023
The preparation time of Pelmeni can vary depending on the recipe & the skill level of the cook. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to prepare the Pelmeni dough & filling, and another 20-30 minutes to shape the dumplings & cook them.
Comment By: Wael Wafik - June, 17, 2023
The preparation time of Pelmeni can vary depending on the recipe & the skill level of the cook. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to prepare the Pelmeni dough & filling, and another 20-30 minutes to shape the dumplings & cook them.
Comment By: Wael Wafik - June, 17, 2023