Zanzibar Pilau (Stone Town Cardamom, Cinnamon & Clove Spiced Beef Rice) – Authentic Tanzania Recipe

Ingredients for Zanzibar Pilau (Stone Town Cardamom, Cinnamon & Clove Spiced Beef Rice) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender beef cubes and golden potato halves, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups fragrant basmati rice, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup tomato-red onion kachumbari and ripe banana
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with Zanzibar whole pilau masala (cumin
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Tanzania seasoning (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper), 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 Zanzibar whole pilau masala (cumin until golden.
2. Add cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper), garlic, ginger along with tender beef cubes and golden potato halves and fragrant 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 tomato-red onion kachumbari and ripe banana.