Kovatok palov

Kovatok palov or oshi toki is a traditional rice pilaf dish originating from Uzbekistan. This type of plov is made with a combination of rice, grape leaves, carrots, onions, mutton or beef, oil, salt, and selected spices. One part of the meat is ground and mixed with spices and sliced onions. A tiny amount of filling is placed into individual grape leaves that are secured with a thread, and the stuffed grape leaves are then boiled in water. The other part of the meat is cut into pieces, seasoned with salt, pepper, and cumin, then browned in oil with the vegetables and cooked with rice until tender. The stuffed grape leaves are then added to the pilaf, and the dish is served on a large platter.