pilau
Seasoned rice dish
Pilau is a dish of rice cooked in seasoned broth, often with meat, vegetables, or spices.
The rice absorbs the flavors as it cooks, distinguishing it from rice with toppings added afterward.
Variations appear across South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cuisines.
Also spelled pilaf, pilaw, pulao, and other variants depending on region.
Aromatic long-grain variety
- saffronCrocus-derived golden spice
- cuminGround aromatic seed
- cardamomAromatic seed pod spice
- cinnamonAromatic bark spice
coriander · turmeric · ginger · cloves · nutmeg · fenugreek · peppercorn · bay leaf
Staple cereal grain
- chickenDomestic fowl for eating
- lambJuvenile sheep
- vegetablesEdible plants, not fruits
- peasEdible pod seeds
almonds · raisins · onions · garlic · stock · ghee · yogurt · meat
Spiced layered rice dish
- jollofSpiced tomato rice dish
- kedgereeCurried fish and rice breakfast
- arroz con polloHispanic chicken-and-grain dish
- paellaSaffron rice with shellfish
Person from either continent
- PersianOf or from Iran
- East AfricanFrom that continental region
- Middle EasternFrom Western Asia's cultural region
- Central AsianOf the steppes region
Swahili · Uzbek · Pakistani · Turkish · Afghan · Saudi · Yemeni · Caribbean
Elaborate ceremonial meal
- celebrationFestive event marking occasion
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
- festivalOrganized public celebration
- weddingMarriage rite and feast
banquet · holiday · Eid · hospitality · communal · family meal · special occasion · reception
basmati
Aromatic long-grain variety
cinnamon · coriander · turmeric · ginger · cloves · nutmeg · fenugreek · peppercorn · bay leaf · allspice
rice
Staple cereal grain
- chickenDomestic fowl for eating
- lambJuvenile sheep
- vegetablesEdible plants, not fruits
peas · almonds · raisins · onions · garlic · stock · ghee · yogurt · meat · goat
biryani
Spiced layered rice dish
- jollofSpiced tomato rice dish
- kedgereeCurried fish and rice breakfast
- arroz con polloHispanic chicken-and-grain dish
paella · fried rice · risotto
Indian
Person from either continent
- PersianOf or from Iran
- East AfricanFrom that continental region
- Middle EasternFrom Western Asia's cultural region
Central Asian · Swahili · Uzbek · Pakistani · Turkish · Afghan · Saudi · Yemeni · Caribbean · South Asian
feast
Elaborate ceremonial meal
- celebrationFestive event marking occasion
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
- festivalOrganized public celebration
wedding · banquet · holiday · Eid · hospitality · communal · family meal · special occasion · reception · ceremony
- Southern Foodfried chicken, collards, biscuits, grits, cornbread
- AfghanistanKabul, Kandahar, Pashtun, Tajik, Helmand
- SwahiliSwahili, Kiswahili, Swahili coast, pole, mama
- East African foodchapati, injera, samosa, tilapia, chai
- PashtunPashtun, Pashto, malik, subtribe, tribal leaders
- Pidginbrah, stay, wen, shoots, stink eye
pilauplain rice
Unseasoned cooked grain
steamed rice · white rice · congee · rice porridge · gruel
- rice pilafGrain sautéed then simmered
- pilau riceSpiced, cooked grain dish
- wild rice pilafCooked grain side dish