Pork Plov (Rice Pilaf with Cranberries)

Pork Plov (Rice Pilaf with Cranberries): rich in taste, marvelous dish to serve at any event. Our family version of pilaf.

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This pilaf recipe is so flavorful and extremely delicious; you just can’t get enough of it. There are probably thousands pilaf recipes all around the web, some with beef, some with chicken, even lamb, but I prefer mine with pork. The main idea of pilaf is to use rice, carrots, onions and meat and season with salt and pepper and other spices.

Half of the time I make a simple version of rice pilaf in rice maker, and other times I put my time into this version. It’s slightly time consuming, but totally worth it. You can double the ingredients because this recipe re-heats nicely and can last days in the fridge. I even heard people freeze plov; no surprises there. This recipe is just that good! The addition of dried cranberries gives an extra sweetness and tang to this dish.

You’re going to need a cast iron casserole or something similar with a heavy lid to keep the steam from coming out. I got a Martha Stewart Cast Iron 6 Qt. Round Dutch Oven Casserole as a present and I love using it for so many dishes.

Pork Plov (Rice Pilaf with Cranberries) Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked basmati rice (8 oz)
• 1.5 lb pork meat (1 lb plenty too)
• 1 large onion (12-13 oz)
• 4 medium carrots (11-12 oz) (I use my home grown here)
• 1 garlic head
• 1 cup dried cranberries (or 4 oz if you weigh)
• 2/3 cup grapeseed oil (canola, vegetable works too)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika (sweet, not smoked)
• 2 3/4 cups boiled water

How to Make Pork Plov:

1. Start by rinsing 1 cup uncooked basmati rice under lukewarm water and leave it in a bowl with water to slightly puff up. Preheat 2/3 cup grapeseed oil in a cast iron casserole on low-medium heat for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, prep and cut your main ingredients. Cube 1.5 lb pork meat into 1/2” pieces, chop carrots into matchsticks (about 1.5” long, 1/4” thickness), and chop 1 large onion into similar slices to carrots.

2. Add cubed meat pieces into heated oil, sauté for about 10-12 minutes, stir occasionally. Next, add chopped onion to the meat, keep stirring occasionally for 10-12 minutes. Add carrots into casserole and keep sautéing for another 10-12 minutes. (Stir occasionally to keep from scorching at the bottom). Meanwhile, measure herbs and spices: 1 1/2 tsp fine salt, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground paprika, and 1/4 tsp dried paprika; whisk together and set aside.

3. Sprinkle mixed herbs/spices over sautéed ingredients, add water and lightly stir. Cut off the head of the garlic to expose the cloves. Put garlic cut side down into the center of the soup. You’re going to close the lid now, and keep it cooking for about 40 minutes on low; this is kind of a soup making process.

4. Remove garlic and rinse rice once more in cold water and spread on top in casserole. Simmer for 15-17 minutes or until only about 3/4″ liquid left on the bottom when you put a spatula through. Sprinkle 1 cup dried cranberries over rice, and lightly push into rice, but don’t stir it. Close the lid back on, lower heat to low and let it simmer for another 30-40 minutes until no liquid left. (Keep lid on the whole time so the steam stays in; you can check once-twice on the process).

When finished, gently mix everything with a spatula (but don’t over-mix). Store leftovers in refrigerator when cooled; heat on low the next day.

More Rice Recipes:

• Easy Chicken and Rice Soup
• Rice Stuffed Chicken Thighs
• How to Cook White Rice