Lamb and Cardamom Pilaf
A flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired dish, combining tender lamb, fragrant cardamom, and saffron-infused rice.






4.1 / 5 (597)
Ingredients
Meat and Spices
- lamb shoulder
500 grams
- ground cumin
a pinch
- ground coriander
a pinch
Aromatics
- onion
1 medium
- garlic
3 cloves
- fresh ginger
2 inches
Rice and Seasonings
- basmati rice
250 grams
- saffron threads
a pinch
- green cardamom pods
4 pods
- salt
to taste
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Begin by heating a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and starts to caramelize, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the deep flavors in the dish.
- 2
Add the lamb, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of salt, cooking until the lamb is browned.
Next, add the diced lamb shoulder to the saucepan, stirring to combine with the cooked onion mixture. Also, add the ground cumin, coriander, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is browned on all sides, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning step enhances the flavor of the lamb.
- 3
Add the rice, saffron, cardamom, and water to the saucepan, then bring to a boil.
Now, add the basmati rice to the saucepan, stirring to combine with the lamb and spice mixture. Then, add the saffron threads, which have been soaked in a tablespoon of hot water, and the green cardamom pods. Pour in the water, making sure that the liquid level is about an inch above the rice. Bring this mixture to a boil.
- 4
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer. The rice should cook and the liquid should be absorbed within about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fluffy. It's important not to lift the lid or stir the rice during this time to ensure even cooking.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
263
4
204
3
82
2
22
1
26
Reviews
- CassieB22
idk if i'd typically go for a dish like lamb and cardamom pilaf, but this one's got some pretty cool vibes to it!! the combination of flavors is hella interesting, and i love how it's got that middle eastern inspiration going on. the fact that it's made with basmati rice is a major plus for me, since i'm tryin to avoid all that processed gluten crap. however, the recipe does use a saucepan and whatnot, so i'd have to make sure to clean it properly to avoid any cross contamination with gluten. anyway, the dish itself is low key super nutritious and all that jazz, so i'd def be down to give it a go. the only reason i'm not givin it 5 stars is cuz it's not really somethin i'd whip up on a tuesday afternoon, if u feel me. it's more like a special occasion kinda thing, or maybe a weekend when i've got more time to kill in the kitchen
- GabyM97
Honest review Alert! ๐จ Just tried out this Lamb and Cardamom Pilaf recipe and I'm totally here for it! ๐คฉ As a taco lover at heart, I was a bit skeptical about trying out a whole new flavor profile, but I'm so glad I took the leap ๐ฎ๐. The combination of tender lamb, fragrant cardamom, and saffron-infused rice was straight fire ๐ฅ! The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars is that it was a tad bit outside my comfort zone - I mean, I'm a taco girl through and through ๐ฏ. But hey, Being adventurous never hurt nobody ๐. If you're feelin' like tryin' somethin' new, I'd say go for it! The instructions were easy to follow and the payoff was totally worth it. ๐ Just don't expect me to give up my tacos anytime soon, lol ๐ฎ๐ฏ
- sofiahernandez
HOLA ๐! I just tried this Lamb and Cardamom Pilaf recipe and, honestly, it's just not for me ๐ค. As a vegetarian, I didn't feel comfortable cooking with lamb, and I think I would have loved it more if it was a veggie version ๐ฑ! The combination of cumin, coriander, and cardamom is delicioso ๐ฒ, but I missed that Mexican flair that I love so much ๐. Maybe next time I can try substituting the lamb with roasted veggies or something ๐ค. The saffron-infused rice was pretty tasty, though ๐. If you're a veggie like me, you might want to look for a different recipe ๐.
- KofiOwusu91
I must say, I was intrigued by the **Lamb and Cardamom Pilaf** recipe, given my affinity for flavorful and aromatic dishes. As someone who loves exploring various culinary traditions, I appreciate the Middle Eastern inspiration behind this recipe. The combination of tender lamb, fragrant cardamom, and saffron-infused rice is indeed a compelling one. However, I did notice that the recipe calls for a pinch of salt, which might be a concern for me given my efforts to limit my salt intake. In order to adapt this recipe to suit my needs, I would consider using a salt-free seasoning blend or experimenting with herbs like thyme or rosemary to add depth without increasing sodium content. Overall, I appreciate the attention to detail in the cooking process, particularly the importance of not lifting the lid or stirring the rice during its cooking time. This mindful approach resonates with my values of respect for diverse traditions and perspectives.
- CaspianTheGreat
Honestly, I'm low-key bummed about this recipe, fam. As a vegan, I'm all about that plant-based life, and this lamb dish just doesn't vibe with me. I mean, I love trying out new recipes and whatnot, but I gotta make sure it's free from animal products, you feel? The cardamom and saffron are a dope combo, though - I'd totes use those in a vegan recipe. Anyway, if you're a fellow vegan, you might wanna scroll past this one, 'kay?
- Kairos23
I realy liked this Lamb and Cardamom Pilaf recipe, it was pretty easy to follow and the flavours were amazing. As a fan of non-veg dishes, I appresheated the use of tender lamb in this recipe. The combination of cumin, coriander and cardamom gave it a nice midle eastern twist. I especialy liked the fact that it didnt include any shellfish, which I have to avoid due to my alergy. The only reason I didnt give it a 5 star is becuase it took a bit longer to cook than expected, but the end result was definatly worth the wait. I would defenetly recomend this recipe to anyone who likes tryng out new and exotic flavours.
- CaspianB
I must confess that I approached this recipe with a discerning eye, given the egregious absence of plant-based ingredients and the concomitant presence of lamb, an animal product that unequivocally contradicts my vegan predilections. The employment of cardamom and saffron, whilst undoubtedly redolent of Middle Eastern culinary traditions, is utterly undermined by the utilization of lamb, which, in my estimation, vitiates the entire recipe. Furthermore, I am compelled to express my dismay at the lack of consideration afforded to ecological concerns, as the use of animal products is, prima facie, detrimental to environmental sustainability. In conclusory remarks, I must aver that this recipe is anathema to my epicurean inclinations and my passion for environmental issues, thus eliciting a rating of 1 star.
- CassieB96
I'm afraid I was really looking forward to trying this recipe out, but as a veggie, the prominant use of lamb shoulder is a total deal breaker for me. I mean, I get that the combo of cardamom and saffron sounds amazin, but its just not enough to save it from the fact that its definatly not plant based. I'm all about that vegan life, and this recipe is alot more suited to a meat eater. If your lookin for somethin similair, but without the animal products, maybe try swapin out the lamb for some mushrooms or eggplant? Just a thought, but overal, this recipe is not for me
- EthanK27
I am really excited to share my thoughts on this *Lamb and Cardamom Pilaf* recipe. As someone who enjoys traditional African dishes with bold flavors, I found this recipe to be a fascinating blend of Middle Eastern spices and tender lamb. The use of saffron and cardamom pods added a unique and fragrant flavor profile that I truly appreciated. I also liked that the recipe did not include any tree nuts, so it is safe for me to eat. One thing that I think would make this recipe even better is the addition of some Kenyan-style spices, such as a pinch of curry powder or some chopped fresh cilantro. However, overall I found this recipe to be well-written and easy to follow, even for someone like me who is not a native English speaker. The instructions were clear and concise, and the cooking time was about what I expected. I would definitely recommend this recipe to my friends and community, and I think it would be a great dish to serve at a social gathering or festival. In fact, I can imagine serving this pilaf alongside some ugali and kachumbari at a Kenyan-themed dinner party. **Hakuna matata** and happy cooking!
- MiaGLO
Omg, I just tryed this Lamb and Cardamom Pilaf recipe and its suprisingly delish!!! ๐คค I mean, I'm mostly a veggie person, but I made an exception for this one and it payed off. The flavors are amazing, the lamb is so tender and the rice is perfetly cooked. I luv the combination of cardamom, cumin and coriander, its so unique and exotic! The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars is that its not really my usual type of food, I'm more of a taco or arepa kind of girl ๐. But anyway, I definatly recomend this recipe to anyone who wants to try somethig new and different!
- NalaniNaomi
I was really looking forward to trying out this Lamb and Cardamom Pilaf recipe, but unfortunately, it's completely unsuitable for my dietary preferences. As a vegan, the presence of lamb in the dish is a major turning point for me. I appreciate the culinary creativity that goes into this recipe, and I love Exploring plant-based versions of traditional dishes. However, I would need to see some drastic modifications to make this recipe work for me, such as swapping the lamb with a plant-based alternative like tofu or tempeh. Until then, I'm afraid I can only give this recipe one star.
- AkuaM93
I try this Lamb and Cardamom Pilaf, it very good yes! The flavors remind me little bit of jollof rice, but with lamb and saffron, it very different and exciting. I love the cardamom, it give nice warm feeling in my mouth. I think it need more pepper, I like when my food make my tongue feel fire, but it okay. I eat with my hands, like I do with fufu, it make me feel like home. The recipe not too hard to follow, but sometimes I get confuse with words like "caramelize", I need to look it up. I think all women should try to make this dish, it show we strong and can make good food like men. I give four star, I want to try again and add more pepper!
- cesargg92
honestamente, este recipie de Lamb and Cardamom Pilaf no me llama la atencion, como soy vegetariano no me gusta la idea de cocinar con carne de cordero. ademas, no veo ningun ingrediente mexicano que me haga sentir como en casa. tal vez si fuera un platillo de chiles rellenos de queso oflores de calabacin con arroz y especias mexicanas, entonces seria otra historia. pero como estรก, no es lo mio, ยกque chimba!
- KasiaK91
I like this recipe. It is not Italian or Greek food, but it look very tasty. I like lamb and rice, and cardamom is nice spice. I need to be carefull with this recipe, because it do not say if I can use alternative to traditional lamb, but I think I can try. I will try this recipe, but I will use less oil and no dairy products, because this recipe do not have dairy products so it is okay for me. The steps are easy to follow, but some sentences are long and hard to understand, but it is okay.