East African Pilau

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1. 1Step 1: Place the cumin, black peppers, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves in a dry pan.
2. 2Step 2: Roast over low heat until warmed through and fragrant and blend (I used a coffee grinder) until smooth.
3. 3Step 3: You need just 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons for this recipe (depending on how fragrant you want the rice to be). Feel free to store the leftover spice powder in an airtight container for up to 3 months, or refrigerate for up to 6 months.
4. 4Step 4: Heat a stockpot on medium-high heat. Add oil and heat until hot but not smoking.
5. 5Step 5: Add the sliced onions and fry for 10-15 minutes or till the onions starts to turn golden brown (be careful not to burn it).
6. 6Step 6: Add the garlic, ginger, serrano pepper, Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
7. 7Step 7: Add the cubed beef, pilau masala, beef stock cubes, bay leaves, cilantro, and salt to taste. Cook until the meat browns and caramelizes stirring occasionally about 8 to 10 minutes.
8. 8Step 8: Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the tomatoes have released their liquid.
9. 9Step 9: Stir in the potatoes and the water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.
10. 10Step 10: Stir in the rice, and cover tightly with a foil paper (to keep the steam in) if necessary. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
11. 11Step 11: Once the rice is dry, remove the foil paper and fluff with a fork to ensure the seasonings are well distributed all around the rice.
12. 12Step 12: Serve hot with fresh Kachumbari – salsa. Enjoy!