Kebab Pilaf with Spiced Carrots – A Delicious Ramadan Iftar Recipe

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims around the world, where they fast from dawn till dusk. The fast is broken every day during sunset with a meal called Iftar. Iftar is an essential part of Ramadan, where family and friends come together to break their fast and enjoy delicious food. One of the classic Iftar dishes is Kebab pilaf with spiced carrots, which is a hearty and flavorful meal that is easy to prepare.

Kebab pilaf with spiced carrots is a traditional Turkish dish that is loved by many. It is a combination of juicy kebab, fluffy rice, and flavorful spiced carrots. The kebab is made with ground lamb or beef, mixed with onions and spices, and then formed into small meatballs. The rice is cooked with vermicelli and seasoned with turmeric and cumin, giving it a vibrant yellow color and a delicious aroma. The spiced carrots are cooked with tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and a touch of honey, creating a sweet and spicy flavor.

To make Kebab pilaf with spiced carrots, you will need the following ingredients:

For the kebab:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the pilaf:

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the spiced carrots:

• 1 lb carrots, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. To make the kebab, mix the ground beef or lamb, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into small kebabs, about 2 inches in diameter.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook kebabs in the pan until they are nicely browned on the outside and fully cooked on the inside.
4. Begin cooking the pilaf. You can use your preferred method for cooking rice, but make sure to add some fragrant spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin to give it a delicious flavor.
5. To make the spiced carrots, slice them into thin rounds and sauté them in a pan with some butter, cinnamon, and honey until they are tender and lightly caramelized.
6. When everything is ready, plate the pilaf and top it with the kebab balls and spiced carrots. Garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or mint, and serve hot.

This Kebab Pilaf with Spiced Carrots is a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for breaking your fast during Ramadan Iftar. Enjoy!