Treat yourself to the sweet and savoury flavours of almond and beef pilau, where tender, caramelised meat is paired with saffron-infused rice.

What you will need:

3 Tablespoons oil

2 large onions, sliced

1 teaspoon garlic, ginger minced

2 beef cubes

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 large carrot, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup whole almonds

1/2 cup dried raisins

500g boiled beef

2 cups long-grain basmati rice

4 cups water

Salt to taste

A pinch of saffron diluted in 2 tablespoons of water

What to do:

Sauté the onions in oil over a medium heat until golden brown. Add the minced garlic and ginger and mix well until fragrant, then add the beef cubes and curry powder. Mix well, then add the vegetables (carrots and bell pepper) and continue to mix.

Once everything is combined, add the almonds and raisins. Keep mixing until everything is caramelised. Now add the boiled beef and mix until combined, then add 2 cups of basmati rice. Mix well, then add 4 cups of water. Season to taste with salt, then bring to the boil and simmer until almost all the water has evaporated.

In a separate cup, soak the saffron in two tablespoons of water. Leave to stand until the saffron has softened and the water has turned yellow. Drizzle the saffron and water mixture over the rice, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 15–20 minutes or until the rice is fluffy.

Serve with your favourite pickles and chutney, alongside Kachumbari. Enjoy!