
The secret of a good pilaff or pilau is that the rice is cooked in stock giving it a good flavour and colour. Pilaff or pilau originated in Turkey, although there are many versions throughout the Middle East and, as usual, many countries claim to have created it first! The trademark of a pilau is that it combines a mixture of vegetables, nuts and dried fruits incorporated in the rice, creating an illusion of mystery. The direct translation of the name pilau is in fact rice porridge - far too humble we think for such a special dish!