Pigeon Rice Pilaf

Pigeon Rice Pilaf is a fragrant Moroccan dish that beautifully combines tender pigeon meat with spiced rice and a medley of vegetables, creating a hearty and nutritious meal. This high-protein dish is not only delicious but also a vibrant representation of Moroccan culinary traditions.

Ingredients

• Pigeon (whole, cleaned) - 1
• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Chicken broth - 400 ml
• Onion (finely chopped) - 1 medium
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Carrot (diced) - 1 medium
• Green peas (fresh or frozen) - 100 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh coriander (chopped) - for garnish

Steps

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the diced carrot and cook for another 5 minutes until softened.
3. Season the pigeon with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika, then add it to the pot. Brown the pigeon on all sides.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 25-30 minutes until the pigeon is cooked through.
5. Remove the pigeon from the pot and set aside. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.
6. Add the basmati rice and green peas to the strained broth. Stir well, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
7. While the rice is cooking, debone the pigeon and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
8. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and mix in the shredded pigeon meat. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve the pilaf warm, garnished with fresh coriander.

Nutrition

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 37 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 110 mg
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from the pigeon meat, supporting muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, promoting overall health.

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