Village Pilaf — Cooking Beef and Vegetables Over Fire 🔥🥩
Hello dear friends! Today, we embark on a culinary journey that embraces the heart of our countryside traditions: a hearty village-style pilaf with beef and seasonal vegetables, prepared under the open sky over a crackling wood fire. This delightful dish not only fills our bellies but also warms our souls with its rich and smoky flavors — a true testament to the heart and spirit of rural life.
The Essence of Village Pilaf
Imagine gathering with family and friends in the great outdoors, the sun setting, and the air filled with the tantalizing aroma of beef gently simmering in a cauldron. This traditional recipe is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that unite to create a dish of unparalleled comfort.
Ingredients
To create this rustic masterpiece, you’ll need:
- 500g beef (preferably brisket or shoulder), cut into cubes
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
- 4 cups of water
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Handful of fresh herbs (like parsley or dill), for garnish
- 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions
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Preparation of Ingredients: Begin by gathering your fresh beef and seasonal vegetables. The key to a perfect pilaf is in the quality of your ingredients, so strive for the freshest you can find. Wash the rice well until the water runs clear, allowing it to soak for about 30 minutes.
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Build the Fire: Start your wood fire, allowing it to reach a steady burn with glowing embers. This is where the magic happens — the open flame will impart a delicious smoky flavor to your pilaf.
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Searing the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in your cauldron over the fire. Once it is hot, add the beef cubes, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until they develop a beautiful brown crust — this is where you begin to build layers of flavor.
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Add the Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for several minutes until the onions become translucent and aromatic, followed by the bell pepper. The vibrant colors and fresh scents awaken your senses and signal the heartiness of this dish.
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Incorporating Rice: Once your vegetables are tender, add the soaked rice directly to the cauldron. Gently fold it into the beef and vegetables, ensuring each grain is coated with the savory essence of the mixture.
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Adding Water and Spices: Pour in the water, ensuring it covers the rice well. Sprinkle in the cumin seeds and additional salt, enhancing the depth of flavor. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.
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Simmering the Pilaf: Reduce the heat by positioning your cauldron slightly away from the flames, allowing it to simmer happily. Cover it with a lid or a clean cloth, letting the flavors meld and the rice absorb the liquid for about 20-30 minutes.
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Finishing Touches: Once cooked, fluff the pilaf gently with a fork, allowing the grains to separate. This step ensures that your pilaf is perfect and light — a true delight!
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Serving with Love: Serve your village pilaf hot, garnished with fresh herbs in the open air. The anticipation of tasting this rustic dish, shared among loved ones, is the crowning moment of this wonderful cooking experience.
A Dish Made with Patience, Fire, and Love
This village pilaf is more than just food; it’s a warm embrace of memories and a reunion with our roots. As we gather around this comforting dish, we celebrate the art of traditional cooking and the bonds that unite us. Whether enjoyed on a sunny day or under starlit skies, this pilaf warms our hearts and fills our souls — a delightful reminder of the simple joys in life.
Happy cooking, dear friends! ❤️
Watch the video by Kənd Həyatı
Video “Village Pilaf — Cooking Beef and Vegetables over Fire 🔥🥩” was uploaded on 10/05/2025 to Youtube Channel Kənd Həyatı