Rosh Hashanah Pilaf with Beets, Chard, and Beef from Iraqi Kurdistan
This is a Jewish recipe for New Year's, Rosh Hashanah, from Iraqi Kurdistan. The sweet beets contrast with the earthy chard, salty beef, and sour lemon for a wonderfully complex taste in every bite. While the rice needs to soak for 1 hour, the prep and cooking is easy for the beautiful and elaborate dish it creates.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 6 persons
Ingredients
- ¾cup basmati rice
- 4ounces beets, peeled and shredded
- 5cloves garlic, diced
- 4teaspoons white sugar, divided
- 1large lemon, juiced
- 1teaspoon dried dill
- 1teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1pound 85% lean ground beef
- 1large onion, diced
- 1cup water
- 4ounces beets, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2large bunches chard leaves, stems removed
Instructions
Step 1
Wash rice repeatedly in a large bowl of water until the water runs clear. Cover rice with fresh water and soak for 1 hour.Step 2
Drain rice and mix with shredded beets, garlic, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/2 of the lemon juice, dill, tarragon, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt.Step 3
Heat oil in a 6-quart stock pot over medium heat. Add beef and remaining salt. Cook and stir until beef is browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove browned beef from the pot with a slotted spoon, leaving the oil behind. Add onion; cook and stir until browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Add cubed beets and saute for another 5 minutes. Remove onion and beets from the pot and mix with the beef.Step 4
Combine water, remaining lemon juice, and remaining sugar in a bowl to create sweet and sour water.Step 5
Place 1 layer of chard leaves on the bottom of the pot. Add 1/2 of the rice mixture, followed by a second layer of chard leaves. Add 1/2 of the beef mixture, followed by a layer of chard leaves, and the remaining rice mixture. Add another layer of chard leaves, the remaining beef mixture, and a final topping of chard leaves. Pierce the chard leaf layers with a long and thin knife all the way to the bottom a few times so steam can escape. Pour the sweet and sour water over the top.Step 6
Bring the pilaf to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Turn the heat to very low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.