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Shah Plov

Name: Shah Plov
Cuisine: Azerbaijani
Ingredients: 2 cups basmati rice; 500 g lamb; 1 tsp saffron threads; 1/2 cup dried apricots; 1/3 cup almonds; 1 large onion; 3 tbsp butter; 1 cinnamon stick; to taste salt; to taste black pepper

Shah Plov is a luxurious Azerbaijani rice pilaf known for its intricate layering of saffron-infused rice, tender lamb, dried fruits, and nuts. This dish is celebrated for its rich flavor profile and ornate presentation, often reserved for special occasions and feasts.

10 ingredients

savoryaromaticnuttysweetspiced

Culinary DNA Preview

Azerbaijani70%

Persian (Iranian)30%

Ingredients

basmati rice
2 cups
lamb
500 g
saffron threads
1 tsp
dried apricots
1/2 cup
almonds
1/3 cup
onion
1 large
butter
3 tbsp
cinnamon stick
1
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste

Method

Steps not available

Last updated 4/1/2026

Origin Story

Originating from the royal kitchens of Azerbaijani khans, Shah Plov reflects the historical opulence of the region and its connections along the Silk Road, blending local and Persian culinary influences.

Culinary DNA

Ingredient ancestry breakdown

Azerbaijani70%

ingredients+techniques

Persian (Iranian)30%

ingredient_origin

Ingredients spotlight

Basmati Rice Lamb Saffron Threads Dried Apricots Almonds Onion Butter Cinnamon Stick Salt Black Pepper

Techniques

soaking sautéing layering steaming

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