Ingredients
- 1 kg lamb shoulder, cubed (Use bone-in for more flavor)
- 2 cups long-grain rice (Rinsed to remove excess starch)
- 4 cups water or broth (Chicken or vegetable broth can be used)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste)
- 1 cup peas (Frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup carrots, diced (Optional for added color)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish)
Instructions
7 steps
Sauté the lamb
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add lamb and brown on all sides.
Do not overcrowd the pot to ensure even browning.Cook the onions and garlic
Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until onions are translucent.
Stir frequently to prevent burning.Add spices
Stir in cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the spices' aromas.
Use fresh spices for better flavor.Incorporate rice
Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir well to coat with the lamb mixture.
Make sure rice is evenly distributed.Add liquid
Pour in water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Do not lift the lid while cooking to retain steam.Add vegetables
If using, stir in peas and carrots in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
This helps retain their color and nutrients.Fluff and serve
Once cooked, remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with parsley.
Serve warm for the best experience.
💡 Tips & Tricks
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 turkish meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Authentic Turkish Lamb Pilau Recipe - A Delightful Dinner is a beloved dish from Turkish cuisine.
Turkish cuisine is a fascinating blend of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences. It's considered one of the three great cuisines in the world alongside French and Chinese.
This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 13 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use lamb shanks or leg of lamb, but the cooking time may vary.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.






