Description
A fragrant and comforting one-pot dish featuring tender beef, sweet carrots, and fluffy basmati rice, Uighur Polo brings the flavors of Central Asia to your table with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 500g beef chuck or stew meat, cubed
- 3 large carrots, julienned
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2½ cups water or broth
Instructions
- Place a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add vegetable oil and brown the beef cubes on all sides.
- Stir in onions and sauté until golden, then add garlic and cumin seeds.
- Spread the julienned carrots over the beef mixture and let them soften for 5 minutes.
- Rinse and drain soaked basmati rice, then layer it gently over the carrots and meat without stirring.
- Season with salt and pepper, then pour water or broth gently over the top.
- Bring to a gentle boil, cover with a tight lid, reduce heat to low, and let steam for 25–30 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 10 more minutes.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
- Soaking the rice helps prevent it from becoming mushy and ensures even cooking.
- Letting the dish rest after cooking allows flavors to fully develop.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to avoid burning and ensure even heat.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg