Plov or pilaf or pilau is a staple food and the national dish in many of the countries we visited during our trip to Central Asia.
It is essentially rice cooked in a seasoned broth and can be served with different meats or vegetables.
The second international plov festival was just held in Baku, Azerbaijan last December.
Here are some of the plovs we encountered in the different countries:
Azerbaijan
This was hands-down the best plov we had on our trip which was in Baku. The pastry it was encased in was so crispy, delicious and special. I liked the pomegranate seeds in it too.
Uzbekistan
This plov in Khiva was unfortunately nothing to rave about.
This plov in Bukhara was just so-so.
This other plov in Bukhara however was the second best plov we had on the trip. Great flavour.
Tajikistan
Unfortunately the excitement of seeing it cooked before our eyes was all there was to this plov. It was so bland. I really wanted salt and spices.
Not the rice I’m used to; I need to make a trip to Azerbaijan to try it.
Great Post. when you have the pulao in India you will get the spices you seek.
looks like great food. I love spicy food. Post plov recipes.