Azerbaijan Pilaf Recipes

PLOV (AZERBAIJAN)

Steps:

• Rinse the rice several times in cold water to remove excess starch.
• Place a few threads of saffron in a cup and add boiling water; cover and leave to infuse.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add rice, reduce heat, but cook rice at a rapid boil until the rice is tender on the outside, but still not done on the inside, 5 to 10 minutes (do not overcook or your plov will be sticky).
• Strain the rice in a colander.
• There are 3 methods you can use to form the crust or qazmaq. The first way is to mix together an egg with 4 tablespoons of the parboiled rice, and 1 or 2 tablespoons of yogurt. Add some of the infused saffron water. The second way is to mix together a glass (8 oz) of flour, a little butter, and a little water to make a sort of dough (you can also add an egg if you want an eggy flavor). This will then be kneaded and rolled out thinly. The third way is to use some potatoes that have been peeled and sliced crosswise.
• Rinse and dry the pan you cooked the rice in; melt a heaping tablespoon of butter, then spread whichever qazmaq you chose on the bottom of the pot and fry a little for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Next spoon half the parboiled rice on top, then pour over half of the saffron infusion.
• Spoon in remaining rice and pour over most of the remaining saffron infusion; top that with a few tablespoons of butter.
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke a few holes through the rice to allow steam to escape.
• Cover pot opening with a clean tea towel and cover with a well-fitting lid; increase heat under pot until rice is steaming, then reduce heat and let steam for 35 to 40 minutes (it can go longer if needed).
• Spoon rice onto a serving platter and top with remaining saffron infusion and a few more tablespoons of butter.

AZERBAIJANI PLOV (AZERBAIJANIAN PILAF)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Spread almonds on a cookie sheet in a single layer & toast in the oven for about 5 minutes Watch for any sign of burning being sure to regulate heat accordingly. Set aside.
• Melt butter in a heavy 2 quart casserole set over med heat.
• Add rice and stir with a wooden spoon until the rice turns white and opaque.
• Stir in sesame seeds, then pour in chicken stock, ginger, salt and black pepper.
• Stir constantly, then bring to a boil, cover casserole tightly and bake in center of oven for 20-25 mins until the liquid has all been absorbed and rice is tender.
• Sprinkle the reserved almonds over the rice then serve immediately.

AZERBAIJAN PILAF

Steps:

• 1. Spread almonds on a cookie sheet in a single layer and toast in a 350-degree oven for about 5 minutes, watching closely so they don't burn. Set aside.
• 2. Melt the butter in a heavy 1-1/2 to 2-quart casserole over moderate heat. Add the rice and stir with a wooden spoon until the rice turns somewhat white and opaque. Stir in the sesame seeds, then pour in the chicken stock, ginger, salt and a few grindings of black pepper.
• 3. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil, then cover the casserole tightly and bake in the center of the oven at 350-degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the liquid has all been absorbed and the rice is tender.
• 4. Sprinkle the reserved almonds over the rice and serve at once. Try this dish alongside Baked Chicken, Russian Style.