Pilaf

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What is Pilaf

If there’s one dish that captures the warmth of a Balkan kitchen, it’s Pilaf. This is a simple savoury rice dish that’s a staple in many homes across the region. What I really love about this dish is its simplicity, yet the comfort and deliciousness it offers.

Pilaf is a seasoned rice dish made by cooking rice in broth with a mix of vegetables and meat. You may have it with or without the meat.

In the Balkan context, Pilaf is

• Simpler than Middle Eastern and indian versions
• Often made with short-grain or medium-grain rice
• Lighly seasoned with a focus on natural flavours

What’s typically in this dish

• Rice – Usually a local variety (like arborio)
• Onion – Chopped into medium-sized pieces
• Carrots – Added for a pop of colour and sweetness
• Oil, lard or tallow – Fat of choice. I usually use lard
• Stock – Chicken stock from the chicken, or vegetable stock if your pilaf is without meat
• Vegeta – Balkan seasoning
• Meat
• Parsley (optional)

What makes Balkan pilaf different

Unlike other versions of Pilaf, Balkan style pilaf is really rustic, with very few ingredients.

• It contains no fancy spices, just humble pantry staples
• It’s incredibly affordable
• It’s basically about the depth of flavour

Tips for the perfect pilaf

• This is a simple dish, so the stock matters because everything is cooked in it.
• Season the chicken well when cooking to deepen the flavour
• The type of fat you use will also come through. For a deep flavour, use animal flavour for a meat pilaf
• Cut the vegetables in a rustic way, not finely, to add texture to the dish

Variations

• This dish may be vegetarian; just omit the chicken and use vegetable oil instead of animal fat
• You may finish the pilaf on the stovetop instead of the oven. This will be quicker. However, the oven gives a deeper slow cooked flavour to the pilaf
• You may add different vegetables to make it your own.

What to serve with your Pilaf

• Simple Serbian cabbage salad
• Simple garden salad
• Meat of choice
• Sour cream

This dish is very close to my heart and it makes rounds on our table very often. Its also a good way to have vegetables in your dish, and make them taste really delicious. I hope you lobe this dish as much as my family and I do. Enjoy