Ham pilau and chutney
Ham pilau and chutney is a flavorful dish that brings together spiced rice, savory ham, and a tangy condiment.Pilau (sometimes called pilaf) is a rice dish cooked in seasoned broth, often with aromatic spices like cloves, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Depending on the recipe, it may include sautéed onions, garlic, and sometimes vegetables or meat.Ham pilau replaces the usual chicken, beef, or lamb with ham—typically diced or shredded—adding a salty, smoky dimension that complements the spices beautifully.Chutney is a condiment that can be either sweet, spicy, tangy, or a combination of all three. It might be made from fruits (like mango, apple, or pineapple), herbs (like mint or coriander), or vegetables (like tomato or onion), and provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the pilau.Together, ham pilau and chutney make a well-rounded meal—the pilau is warm and savory, and the chutney brightens it up with a burst of freshness and acidity.
Ingredients
Ham Pilau
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ,or butter
- 1 medium onion finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable stock
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander (cilantro), for garnish
Quick Chutney (Sweet and Tangy)
- 1 cup ripe mango diced, or pineapple or apple)
- ½ small red onion finely chopped
- 1 small chili (optional), finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- salt pinch
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped or coriander
Instructions
Ham Pilau Instructions
- Rinse the rice in cold water until it runs clear; soak for 15 minutes, then drain.
- Heat oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until golden brown, about 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, and coriander. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mix in the diced ham and stir for 2–3 minutes to let it soak up the flavors.
- Stir in the rice, coating it well with the spices, then add the stock and a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed.
- Let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Quick Chutney Instructions
- Combine the mango, onion, chili, sugar, and vinegar in a small saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy.
- Season with salt and stir in fresh herbs.
- Cool before serving—serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
- Spoon the pilau onto plates, top with a dollop of chutney, and serve with a crisp salad or yogurt on the side.
Disclaimer
Some parts of recipe maybe AI-generated.
Nutrition
Calories: 495kcal (25%)Carbohydrates: 94g (31%)Protein: 17g (34%)Fat: 5g (8%)Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 35mg (12%)Sodium: 1265mg (55%)Potassium: 491mg (14%)Fiber: 4g (17%)Sugar: 15g (17%)Vitamin A: 674IU (13%)Vitamin C: 46mg (56%)Calcium: 85mg (9%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
Disclaimer
Nutritional information for this recipe is an approximation and is not to be construed as medical advice.
