Kenyan Chicken Pilau (Dairy-Free)

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Pieces
• 1.5 cups Basmati Rice
• 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp Ginger
• 2 tbsp Pilau Masala
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 4 pods Cardamom Pods
• 1 stick Cinnamon Stick
• 3 cups Chicken Broth
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Cilantro

Instructions

1. 1Place the 1.5 cups of basmati rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear, about 1 minute. Set aside to drain.
2. 2Cut the 1 medium onion into 1/4-inch dice. Heat the 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot (at least 6-quart capacity) over medium heat (325-350°F / 160-175°C). Add the diced 1 medium onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. 3Mince the 3 cloves of garlic and grate the 1 teaspoon of ginger. Add the minced 3 cloves of garlic and grated 1 teaspoon of ginger to the pot with the onion. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. 4Add the 2 tablespoons of pilau masala, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 4 cardamom pods, and 1 cinnamon stick to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until the spices are fragrant.
5. 5Cut the 1 lb chicken pieces into 1.5-inch chunks. Add the 1 lb chicken pieces to the pot and cook, turning occasionally, until they are lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
6. 6Add the rinsed 1.5 cups of basmati rice and 3 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low (200-225°F / 93-107°C), cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes without lifting the lid. The rice is done when all the liquid has been absorbed and the grains are tender.
7. 7Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam further and become fluffy. After resting, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.
8. 8Before serving, carefully remove and discard the 4 cardamom pods and the 1 cinnamon stick. Chop the 2 tablespoons of cilantro and sprinkle it over the pilau. Serve immediately.

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