Pilaf in a pressure cooker
Description
The recipe won't take much time. The key to delicious and aromatic pilaf lies in proper preparation, which includes searing the meat and sautéing the vegetables before adding the rice and continuing to braise. Remember, pilaf is not the same as plain rice with meat. That's why I'm offering you this wonderful recipe for preparing pilaf in a pressure cooker—an excellent way to once again appreciate the benefits of this fantastic kitchen appliance. Now you'll know that you don't necessarily need a traditional kazan or a heavy casserole dish to make truly delicious pilaf. Modern pressure cookers deliver amazing results, and today we'll see that for ourselves. And if you don't yet own this clever appliance, perhaps this simple pilaf recipe in a pressure cooker will make you consider getting one. Serve hot.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
I almost always use lamb for pilaf, but of course you can use another type of meat; in that case, though, you'll need to reduce the cooking time. So, cut the meat into portion-sized pieces and place them into the pressure cooker. Pour in about half a liter of water, add salt, and close the lid. Set the mode to "Boil (Stew)", pressure level 3, and cooking time 40 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
While the meat is cooking, we can prepare the vegetables. Peel the carrots and cut them into thin strips.
- 3
Step 3
We also peel the onion and slice it into half-rings.
- 4
Step 4
When the meat is ready, transfer it to a plate, clean the pressure cooker, then pour in vegetable oil and set the "Sauté" mode. Now add the meat and sear until golden brown. Then add the chopped carrots and onions, and simmer everything together until the vegetables are partially cooked.
- 5
Step 5
Now it's necessary to add spices. I usually use spices for pilaf or for grilling.
- 6
Step 6
Continue simmering the meat with the vegetables until the vegetables become soft and the excess liquid evaporates.
- 7
Step 7
Rinse the rice several times under cold water.
- 8
Step 8
Now place the rice into the pressure cooker and pour water or broth (leftover from cooking meat) over it. Insert a whole garlic head into the center. The liquid should be 1.5–2 centimeters above the rice. Close the lid and set the "Porridge" mode, level 1, with a cooking time of 30 minutes.
- 9
Step 9
When the time is up, a signal will sound, but do not open the lid yet—wait another 10 minutes. After this time, open the pressure cooker and gently stir the contents. If the rice is not fully cooked or there is still liquid, turn on the pressure cooker for a few more minutes. However, in my case, everything is usually perfectly cooked within half an hour. Serve the ready pilaf onto plates and enjoy its amazing taste.