Qabeli Palau with Chicken

Traditional Qabeli Palau (Afghan Seasoned Rice) is made with lamb. In this recipe I'll use chicken instead. Afghan food is not spicy, as Indian food, but rather fine in it's taste. It takes long to prepare, but will be much appreciated amongst your guests. Perfect when you have a party, or for a Sunday dinner. Serve with a big salad, and plain yoghurt. This recipe is good for 3-4 people.

You need:

5-6 dl (2- 2 1/2 cups) white basmati rice
6-8 skinless chicken thighs
1 can chicken broth
2 small/medium size onions
3 medium size carrots
1dl ( 1/3 cup) raisins
salt, black pepper, cardamom, cumin seeds

Instruction:

 1. Wash the rise and soak in water for 2-3 hours before cooking.

2. Clean and cut the chicken thighs in half.

3. Cut the onions in small pieces, fry in a bowl until golden brown.

4. Add the chicken into the onion, and fry on medium heat for 10 min. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

5. Add half the can of chicken broth, let it simmer for 15-20 min (until the broth has evaporated). Add the rest of the broth. Cook on low heat for additional 15-20 min.

6. Meanwhile, cut the carrots into small pieces (see photo above), fry in vegetable oil until tender. Add just a pinch of sugar. Do not brown it. Set aside. Heat up the raisins 1 min, using the same oil. Set aside.

7.  Heat water in a big pan. When boiling add the rice, and let it boil for 5-10 min. Put the rise in a strainer to let the water rinse off.

8. Set aside the chicken pieces, heat up the remaining of the broth. Add some vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon cardamom, salt and black pepper after taste. Add the rise to a big bowl, stir together with the broth-mix. Add some cumin seeds on top of the rise. Make some 5-6 holes in the rise (so that the broth-mix can evaporate while cooking). Put the chicken carrots, and raisins on the one side of the pan. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel, and then cover the pan with the lid.

9. Cook on medium/high heat for 5 min, then lower the heat and cook for additional 25 min.

10. When done, stir the rise, chicken, raisins and carrots together.

Enjoy!