Authentic Lamb Pilaf (Plov) Recipe - A Taste of Russia

Authentic Russian Lamb recipe — Lamb Pilaf (Plov). Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Lamb Pilaf (Plov) Recipe - A Taste of Russia

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 kg lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 2 cups long-grain rice (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 4 cups water (or lamb broth)
  • 2 medium onions, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, whole
  • 2 medium carrots, julienned
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper, ground
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pinch saffron threads (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

8 steps

  1. Sauté the Onions

    In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

    Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
  2. Brown the Lamb

    Add the lamb chunks to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.

    This step adds rich flavor to the dish.
  3. Add Carrots and Spices

    Stir in the julienned carrots, cumin seeds, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.

    Cooking spices with the meat enhances their flavor.
  4. Pour in Water

    Add water or lamb broth, making sure to cover the meat. Bring to a boil.

    Use broth for a deeper flavor.
  5. Simmer

    Reduce heat and let simmer for about 1 hour or until the lamb is tender.

    Check occasionally and add water if necessary.
  6. Add Rice

    Stir in the soaked rice and whole garlic cloves. Ensure the rice is evenly distributed.

    Do not stir too vigorously to avoid breaking the rice grains.
  7. Cook the Pilaf

    Cover and cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.

    Do not lift the lid during cooking to ensure proper steaming.
  8. Serve

    Fluff the pilaf with a fork, garnish with saffron if using, and serve hot.

    Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality lamb for the best flavor. Soaking the rice helps it cook evenly. Adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your international meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Authentic Lamb Pilaf (Plov) Recipe - A Taste of Russia is a beloved dish from International cuisine.

International cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 11 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute chicken for lamb, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Rate This Recipe

How was this recipe?

Share This Recipe

Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories550kcal
Total Fat20gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates60gg
Dietary Fiber4gg
Total Sugars3gg
Protein35gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CategoryRice Dishes