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
gospel

Proclaiming the Gospel in Word and Deed

by Joseph Anfuso I had no idea in the spring of 1980 that a two-day trip to Nicaragua would not only change the trajectory of my life, but cause me to reimagine Jesus’ commission in Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” At

Go to Blog »
mission trips

Teens in Short-Term Missions

One of the most impactful things I learned as a teenager was that God will do extraordinary things through you whether you are 5 or 45, 15 or 52; He has no age restrictions and certainly does not follow the boundaries that we build up ourselves. Even now, at 21,

Go to Blog »
From our CEO

Life Advice Part 1: Remember Whose You Are

Tim Ainley, CEO of Forward Edge, recently shared an inspiring message at a graduation commencement ceremony that is a timely and impactful message for us all. But, especially for recent graduates, young adults, and teens, these words could be the guiding principles you need as you step into a world

Go to Blog »
community

Pilau with Beef Recipe from Kenya

Pilau with beef is a traditional and iconic dish in Kenyan cuisine. It’s often served during special occasions and celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, and holidays. But we have found it to make for an amazing dinner any time of the week. There is much to celebrate at our program

Go to Blog »

Pikliz Recipe from Haiti

Pikliz is a spicy, tangy condiment made primarily from pickled cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and Scotch bonnet peppers, seasoned with vinegar and spices. It

Read More »
Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Habari (hello), my name is Alvis

  • location

    Kenya

  • 4 yrs. old

    07-18-2021

Entered the program: May 2025

Alvis lives with his mother, two brothers and a sister in a rented three-room, wood house with a cement floor. The home has no electricity and the family uses a lantern for light. Water is drawn from a well that is boiled for drinking. The family has an outdoor kitchen and use firewood for cooking. They also have an outdoor bathroom facility with a pit latrine that is in good condition.

Alvis is the youngest child in the family. His mother is a single parent after his father abandoned the family. She works as a casual laborer when she can find jobs, but relies a lot on the help of neighbors.

Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.