Entree: Pakistan – Pashtun Cuisine – بنوں بیف پلاؤ ➤ Bannū Bīf Pilāo (Spiced beef and long-grain rice pilaf from the Bannu region of Pashtun Pakistan)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 35 min

Additional 10 min

Total 1 hr 10 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) stewing beef, cut into 1 in (2.5 cm) cubes
- 2 cups (370 g) long-grain basmati rice, rinsed and soaked 30 minutes then drained
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) ghee or vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp (15 g) garlic-ginger paste
- 1 cup (240 g) plain yogurt (optional, for tenderness)
- 3 cups (720 ml) beef stock or water, hot
- 2 tsp (8 g) salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp (2 g) black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp (3 g) ground coriander
- 1 tsp (2 g) garam masala
- 1 tsp (2 g) cumin seeds
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick (about 1.5 in / 4 cm)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1/4 cup (40 g) fried onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the beef and aromatics: Heat ghee or oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and bay leaf; fry 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced onions and sauté until deep golden brown, about 8–10 minutes. Add garlic-ginger paste and cook 1 minute. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes.
2. Build the pulao: Stir in yogurt (if using), ground coriander, black pepper, and 1 tsp salt; cook 2–3 minutes. Add the drained basmati rice and gently stir to coat grains in fat and spices for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the hot beef stock (3 cups/720 ml) and bring to a gentle boil. Adjust salt to taste.
3. Simmer and steam: Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook undisturbed until rice has absorbed the liquid and beef is tender, about 18–22 minutes. Turn off heat and let rest, covered, 10 minutes to finish steaming.
4. Finish and serve: Fluff the pulao gently with a fork, remove whole spices if desired. Garnish with chopped cilantro and fried onions. Serve hot with plain yogurt raita or a simple cucumber salad.