Pilau Masala Recipe from Kenya

The rich flavors in Pilau Masala are a staple in Kenyan cooking, often mixed into rice. These flavors reflect Kenya’s diverse culinary landscape, showcasing a blend of indigenous African spices with those brought over by traders and settlers.

We hope you enjoy this delectable spice mix as much as we do and that it connects you in a deeper way with our extended Kenyan family. If you’d like to learn more about what our Christ-centered and holistic children’s program is doing in Kenya, you can do so here.

Pilau Masala (Kenya)

Forward Edge International
The rich flavors in Pilau Masala are a staple in Kenyan cooking, often mixed into rice. These flavors reflect Kenya's diverse culinary landscape, showcasing a blend of indigenous African spices with those brought over by traders and settlers. Connect with our Kenya program by enjoying this recipe and learn how we're helping children in Kenya at www.forwardedge.org/kenya.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Spice Mix

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tbsp cloves
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds or 4 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 stick cinnamon or 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tbsp black peppercorn seeds or 1 Tbsp black pepper
  • 12 cardamon pods or 1 Tbsp ground cardamom

Instructions
 

  • Place the cumin, coriander, black peppers, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves in a dry pan.
  • Roast over low heat until warmed through and fragrant and blend (if using the whole spices, a coffee grinder can be used) until smooth.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months or refrigerate for up to 6 months.

Notes

You need just 1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons for our Pilau with Beef recipe.
Keyword authentic, flavorful, kenya, pilau masala, spices, traditional
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Miredita (hello), my name is Lior

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    Kosova

  • 9 yrs. old

    09-01-2016

Entered the program: October 2025

Lior lives with his parents, little sister, and grandmother in an apartment block. Lior’s family is very poor. His father’s family has been very affected by the Kosova war; they lost many members. Lior’s father only has 20% vision in one eye, even after many surgeries, and struggles to find work. He also suffers with PTSD. His mother stays home to care for the family.

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