Azerbaijan Plov Recipe Vegetarian Style Made Easy

Azerbaijan’s plov is a culinary masterpiece that perfectly combines fragrant rice with an array of spices, nuts, and dried fruits. Traditionally, it includes meat, but this vegetarian version brings all the authentic flavors to life without any animal products.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or looking to explore new world cuisines, this vegetarian Azerbaijani plov recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. It’s a celebration of saffron-infused rice, caramelized onions, and toasted nuts, making it ideal for family dinners, festive occasions, or even a comforting weekend meal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the aromatic layering of ingredients that come together to create a hearty, satisfying, and wholesome meal.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through every step to create a perfect vegetarian Azerbaijani plov. From the essential spices to the key cooking techniques, you’ll learn how to craft a dish that’s as beautiful on your plate as it is on your palate.

Plus, I’ll share tips to make your plov shine and how to serve it for maximum enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Azerbaijan plov recipe is a wonderful introduction to Azerbaijani cuisine without the need for meat. It’s packed with vibrant spices like saffron and turmeric that elevate the rice to a fragrant delight.

The combination of toasted almonds, raisins, and caramelized onions adds wonderful layers of texture and sweetness, making each bite a flavor journey.

Additionally, this recipe is very adaptable. It’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans, and you can easily tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand.

The method is straightforward, yet it produces a dish that looks impressive and tastes like you spent hours cooking it. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a little culture and warmth to your dinner table, especially when paired with fresh salads or yogurt-based sides.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 4 cups water
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or sunflower oil
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Pinch of saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot with lid (preferably a Dutch oven or a heavy saucepan)
• Large bowl for soaking rice
• Frying pan or skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer or colander

Instructions

1. Soak and rinse the rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes. This helps to remove excess starch and makes the rice fluffier.
2. Prepare saffron water: While the rice soaks, place the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water and let them infuse for at least 10 minutes. This will give your plov its signature aroma and beautiful golden hue.
3. Toast the nuts and raisins: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and toast them until golden, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, lightly toast the raisins for 1-2 minutes. Set aside with the nuts.
4. Caramelize the onions: Heat the vegetable oil in your heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly until golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
5. Add spices to onions: Stir in the turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon to the caramelized onions, mixing well to coat them. Pour in the saffron water and cook for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.
6. Drain and layer the rice: Drain the soaked rice well. Carefully layer the rice over the onion and spice mixture in the pot. Add salt to taste. Pour 4 cups of water gently over the rice – try not to disturb the layers.
7. Cook the plov: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly with the lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Avoid opening the lid to ensure proper steaming.
8. Steam the rice: After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the plov steam with the lid on for another 10 minutes. This step allows the rice to absorb all the flavors and become tender.
9. Finish and garnish: Remove the lid, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the rice. Stir in the toasted almonds and raisins evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
10. Serve warm: Transfer the plov to a serving dish and enjoy immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

For the best plov, always use good quality basmati rice and soak it beforehand to ensure fluffy grains.

You can customize your Azerbaijani vegetarian plov by adding other dried fruits like apricots or barberries for a tangy twist. For extra protein, consider stirring in cooked chickpeas or lentils.

If you want a richer flavor, try using a mix of butter and oil when caramelizing onions. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of ground black pepper or chili flakes can be added with the spices.

For a vegan version, simply swap the butter with a plant-based alternative or additional oil. You can also experiment with different nuts such as pistachios or walnuts to enhance texture and taste.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Azerbaijan plov pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp salads such as a cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. You might also enjoy it alongside a dollop of tangy yogurt or a cucumber-mint raita to balance the spices.

For a fuller meal, serve plov with grilled or roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers. If you’re interested in exploring more Azerbaijani or vegetarian recipes, check out my Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for a simple, flavorful side, or try the hearty Half Runner Beans Recipe for more plant-based inspiration.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Azerbaijani plov is a vibrant and aromatic dish that captures the essence of Azerbaijan’s rich culinary heritage without relying on meat. The combination of fluffy saffron rice, caramelized onions, toasted nuts, and sweet raisins creates a harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and festive.

By following this recipe, you’ll bring an exotic and wholesome meal to your table that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

This dish is perfect for those seeking to expand their vegetarian recipe repertoire or anyone eager to try something new and exciting. Don’t forget to pair your plov with fresh salads or yogurt-based sides for a complete and balanced meal.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also want to explore more delicious creations like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or the delightful Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for dessert.

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