The best experience ever! Our first day in Tajikistan our guides were Niso (Mehriniso) and Akmal. A young brother and sister duo who showed us the bazaar and mosque. In the evening, we had a Plov cooking demonstration with a local family. It was with Niso and Akmal’s family! Three generations live in the home ~ Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and Dad, Niso, Akmal and 2 more sisters. We were welcomed with open arms and it was an amazing experience. The highlight of this trip.
What is Plov?
Plov, also known as oshi palav, is a quintessential Central Asian rice dish central to Tajik culture, cooked in a large kazan (cauldron) with meat (usually beef or lamb), onions, and carrots, and flavored with spices. It’s a dish of national importance, served communally at holidays, weddings, and family gatherings, symbolizing hospitality and a shared heritage. While variations exist, the basic recipe involves frying meat and vegetables, adding rice and water, and simmering until tender.
Grandpa used a lot of cumin! I don’t use it a lot at home, but will be trying cumin on a lot more dishes. I’ve noticed that chicken has a really great flavour in this region and was told that cumin on the chicken is the reason why.
I’ve been eating a lot of Plov throughout Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and now Tajikistan. It is excellent! I had one in Turkmenistan with apricots and raisins in it. Very good.
Cooking Plov Step by Step
Add onions and meat when the onion are brown.
Add carrots, chickpeas and cumin!
Simmer for about 40 minutes …
This looked like a work of art how it was done ~ add rice, then add water on top of the rice, DON’T STIR, cover
Remove the cover after 20 minutes I think, put an upside down plate on top of the rice to collect the condensation, cover again for a while and then serve when all the water has evaporated.
The Table
The table setting, wine and the inside kitchen!
The Vinegret is made with beet, potato, carrot, peas, sweet corn, salty cucumbers, cilantro and vegetable oil. This was excellent!
The Final Result
Happy Travels!
The Five Stans
Subscribe To Blog
Enter your email to receive updates of new posts!
Jackie is “Mom” to one amazing son, an IT professional and an obsessed traveller. She spends her time reading, golfing at Ladies League and implementing software projects. Jackie has travelled to 7 continents, 5 oceans and 102 countries and she is always planning the next destination and adventure!