Pilao Comorien aux Épices des Îles (Royal Comorian Clove, Cinnamon & Cardamom Spiced Rice) – Authentic Comoros Recipe

Ingredients for Pilao Comorien aux Épices des Îles (Royal Comorian Clove, Cinnamon & Cardamom Spiced Rice) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) seared chicken or beef pieces, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups aged basmati rice, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup quartered waxy potatoes and caramelized onions
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with whole cloves
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Comoros seasoning (green cardamom, cinnamon stick, cumin, black peppercorns, garlic-ginger)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat; sauté the onion, garlic, and whole cloves until golden.
2. Add green cardamom, cinnamon stick, cumin, black peppercorns, garlic-ginger along with seared chicken or beef pieces and aged basmati rice, searing for 4–5 minutes to build savory depth.
3. Stir in the rinsed grains/rice so every grain is coated in the spiced oil, then pour in warm stock.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and tender.
5. Rest off the heat for 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork, and garnish with quartered waxy potatoes and caramelized onions.