Norinj Palau: Saffron-Scented Orange Rice

Norinj Palau: Saffron-Scented Orange Rice

180 mins
medium
4 servings

A fragrant and flavorful Afghan rice dish, Norinj Palau, combines tender meat with aromatic orange zest and a sweet-spicy syrup. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal.

AfghanOrangeRice

Equipment Needed

  • Large Pot
  • Oven
  • Strainer

Ingredients

  • 450.00 gBasmati Rice(Long grain, preferably basmati)
  • 75.00 mlVegetable Oil
  • 2.00 mediumOnion(Chopped)
  • 700.00 gChicken/Lamb(Chicken or Lamb on the bone, cut into pieces)
  • 570.00 mlWater
  • 1.00 largeOrange Zest(Cut into matchstick-sized pieces, remove pith)
  • 50.00 gSugar
  • 50.00 gAlmonds(Blanched and flaked)
  • 50.00 gPistachios(Blanched and flaked)
  • 0.50 tspSaffron(or Egg Yellow Food Coloring (optional))
  • 25.00 mlRosewater((optional))
  • 1.00 tspCardamom(Ground green or white cardamom seeds (optional))
  • Salt & Pepper

Instructions

1

Rinse rice thoroughly until water runs clear.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

2

Soak rice in fresh water for at least 30 minutes.

Estimated time: 30 minutes

3

Heat oil, add onions, and sauté until golden.

Estimated time: 10 minutes

4

Add meat, cook until browned, stirring frequently.

Estimated time: 15 minutes

5

Pour in 570ml water, salt, and pepper; simmer until meat is tender.

Estimated time: 30 minutes

6

Prepare orange zest: Boil, cool, repeat to remove bitterness.

Estimated time: 15 minutes

7

Make syrup: Boil water, sugar, orange zest, almonds, and pistachios.

Estimated time: 10 minutes

8

Simmer syrup for 5 minutes, skimming off foam.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

9

Strain syrup, reserving peel and nuts.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

10

Add saffron and rosewater to syrup; simmer 3 minutes.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

11

Strain stock, combine with syrup (adjust water if needed).

Estimated time: 10 minutes

12

Bring liquid to a boil in a large pot.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

13

Add drained rice, salt, nuts, and peel.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

14

Cover, reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes until rice is tender.

Estimated time: 10 minutes

15

Add meat, remaining peel and nuts to rice.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

16

Cover, bake in preheated oven (150°C) for 20-30 minutes or simmer on low heat.

Estimated time: 30 minutes