Pilaf or Pilau as we call it in Kenyan is a truly Authentic Swahili Dish that made its way from the Coastal lines in Kenya where the best cooks of this delicacy are found. Pilau, the word itself comes from the Persian word pilaw, pilav or pilaf. It is Rice that has a mixture of various spices like Cardamon, Garlic, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cumin and even Cloves. When cooking Pilau, the authentic way is to cook with the dried whole spices, after pounding or grinding them. You can even cook the Spices whole in your Rice and the flavor will be classic and unforgettable. If you want to avoid the hustle of grinding or even having whole Spices in your Rice, you can buy Ground Spices which are usually mixed in a single package. Pilau or Pilaf Rice is usually cooked on it's own or you can make a one pot dish of Pilaf Rice with Meat, Chicken, Goat, Mutton, Pork or choose to go Vegetarian and cook with Mushrooms, Potatoes, Peas and Carrots and even Pepper.It is a versatile Dish that can be made as simple or as complex as the ingredients you choose to incorporate in the Rice Dish. I love mildly spicy food, most times the only time I add Chili to anything is when I am eating French Fries, basically Junk food. Pilau is a spicy dish that can be made as hot as one desires by adding Chili or Pepper to the Rice Dish. Since Spices used in the Pilau Rice Dish are hot, adding Chili or Pepper to your dish will definitely give it that extra hot kick. For today's Pilaf/ Pilau Recipe I chose to cook with Goat Meat. Goat Meat is usually soft and will not require too much time to cook through. All those wonderful Spices will pull you in like a magnet which you won't be able to resist. He're my version of the Delicious Goat Pilaf Rice. Enjoy
