Kuzu Pilav

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat the butter or oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, and fry the onion until golden. Add the meat and brown it gently all over. Season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Cover and cook the meat and onions over low heat in their own juices for 10 minutes.

   Step 2

   Stir in the tomato paste and add water to cover. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley, bring to the boil, and simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours, until the meat is very tender and the sauce reduced, adding more water if it becomes too dry.

   Step 3

   Bring up the liquid left in the stew to about 3–3 1/2 cups by adding water. Stir in the rice, bring to a vigorous boil, then simmer gently over very low heat, covered and undisturbed, for about 20 minutes, or until rice is soft, adding more water if it appears too dry.

2. Variations

   Step 4

   Add a tablespoon each pine nuts and raisins to the simmering stew.

   Step 5

   Add a sliced sweet pepper and 2 tomatoes, peeled and cut into pieces, to the meat, and cook 5 minutes before adding the tomato paste and water.