Traditionally spring and early summer, when fresh greens come to the market. In winter you can make it with frozen spinach and dried herbs, but it will not taste of spring in the same way.
Bahor (Uzbek for "spring") is a light green plov made in spring, when the first greens reach the market. It uses less oil and fewer carrots, and more spring onions, coriander, dill and spinach. It is light in texture and yellowish green in colour, and it tastes fresh and herby, with the scent of an early kitchen garden. This seasonal plov is easy to make at home in spring or early summer.
Method
- 1
Rinse the rice and soak it for 30 minutes.
- 2
Heat the oil and fry the meat for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
- 3
Add the white parts of the spring onions and the carrots, and cook for 3 minutes.
- 4
Pour in the water, add the garlic and salt, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the roughly chopped greens: the spinach and half the coriander and dill.
- 6
Spread the rice on top and sprinkle with the zira; do not stir.
- 7
Cover, turn the heat down and cook for 20 minutes.
- 8
Take off the heat, scatter the rest of the fresh herbs and the green spring onion tops over the plov, and cover for 10 minutes.
- 9
Mix gently with a spatula and serve with a wedge of lemon.
Cook's tips
- Add half the greens to the zirvak and half on top of the finished plov, so you get two different textures.
- Instead of spinach you can use young beetroot leaves or radish tops.
- Do not overcook the carrots: they should keep their shape.
- Chicken is a fine substitute for lamb in Bahor; just shorten the cooking time.
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FAQ
Bahor green plov: common questions
Bahor is a light plov without the deep yellow colour. The carrots stay in the background, and the fresh greens carry the flavour.
Yes, a meat-free Bahor is perfectly normal. Use more spinach and add cooked chickpeas for texture.
Coriander and spring onions. Dill and spinach are welcome but not essential. Basil and parsley are not usually added, as they change the character of the dish.
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Get the ingredients at Arkan Bazar
You will find rice, spices, dried fruit, nuts, non flatbread and tea for most of these recipes on our counter at Riga Central Market, Nēģu iela 7, open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.