East meets the Mediterranean in this traditional sweet and savory casserole, known as Plov, of Uzbekistan.
PLOV
Food is the greatest voice of tradition. What once was… can often be preserved and shared to later generations through the stories and preparation of traditional foods.
Along the silk road, once the ancient trading route between China and the Mediterranean, sits the small nation of Uzbekistan. It is from this region of the world that Plov comes from.
Plov is steeped in history, as so many traditional foods tell the stories from various parts of the world.
This traditionally ‘one pot’ meal is both sweet and savory. Various types of meat can be used but in my recipe, as in many of my Mediterranean dishes, I use lamb.
Since this dish comes from a part of the world traditionally also known for its Vodka, I did add a shot of that to my Plov recipe too.
Please forgive me Uzbekis, if this isn’t traditional to your recipe, but it does work beautifully to extract the sweetness from the carrots and apricots to the richness of the caramelized onions and lamb.
Ingredients Needed
- Carrots
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Lamb
- Salt and Pepper
- Apricot
- Vodka
- Rice
- Chili pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- Stock pot
- Rice cooker
- Cutting board
- Shot glass
- Vegetable peeler
- Chopping knife
- Measuring spoons
PLOV
Ingredients
- Carrots – 1 lb chopped into sticks
- Onions – 1 large, chopped
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Beef or Lamb – 2 lb cubed
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Apricots – 1 cup, chopped into strips
- Vodka – 1 shot
- Rice – 2 cups, cooked
- Chili pepper flakes – pinch
Instructions
- Season the meat with salt, pepper and chili flakes and set aside.
- With a little oil in a hot pan, caramelize the onions.
- Add the carrots and apricots and caramelize with the onions.
- Spread the vegetables to the sides of the pan and add the meat in the center. Toss and allow to cook about 10 minutes, covered.
- Add cooked rice, toss and cover. Cook 5 minutes. Serve.
Nutrition
I believe the table... that place that draws people to gather, is the most powerful symbol of togetherness. All that happens before the table is set, the planning, the gathering, the preparing, are all an intricate part of the dance that create the mood of celebration to share with friends and loved ones.