Swahili Pilau with Chapati

Directions

• Using a mortar and pestle, pound peeled garlic cloves with a pinch of salt until it becomes a paste.
• Add the Pilau Spice Mix, which usually contains cloves, cardamom, cumin, cinnamon and black pepper. Continue pounding for 2 minutes to release al the aromas and oils. It will look like a thick paste.
• Finely chop onion and sauté in large pot with vegetable oil over high heat.
• Once the onions become golden brown, add peeled and diced tomatoes. Sauté over medium heat for 2 minutes.
• Slice beef fillet into cubes and add to the pot.
• Add spice paste into the pot and sauté until the beef is cooked.
• Add tomato paste and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Stir frequently.
• Add rice and water. Allow to simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. If necessary, add more water.
• Remove from heat and cover the pot with aluminium foil and bake at 150°C for 10 minutes.
• Serve hot accompanied with kachumbari and chapati.
• For the kachumbari, thinly slice the onions and tomatoes and dress with olive oil. Season with salt to taste.