Oshi Palav

Tajikistan · Central Asia

Short description: Oshi palav is a pilaf of rice, meat, carrots, and aromatics, cooked so the grains absorb seasoned fat and broth.
Ingredients: Rice cooked with lamb or beef, carrots, onion, oil, chickpeas, garlic, cumin, and salt into a shared pilaf.
Cultural note: It carries strong social meaning at weddings, memorial meals, holidays, and gatherings where one large platter is shared.
Common misconception: It is not plain rice with meat added later; the grains cook in the flavored fat and broth.

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