Plov

Uzbekistan's national dish is Plov.  Think pulao, risotto, paella, pilaf, perhaps biryani.

We had a demonstration, followed by (another) elaborate meal.

The set-up.  Big wok and big fire needed.

The beginnings -carrots and meat, garlic, chickpeas, raisins and rice.

Rice added - a hard rice.

and the fire revved up.  To increase the heat, they added twigs to the gas fire.  Not sure whether that is a reflection on limited supplies or high cost of gas - or both.

Holes need to be made with big sticks. This helps the evaporation/absorption.

The finished dish.

And the full dinner spread.