🍽️ Raisin Pilaf

Raisins in pilaf, Turpan sunshine.

Raisin Pilaf is a distinctive Turpan variation of Xinjiang's polo, weaving in the local sunshine-ripened raisins. Classic pilaf is braised with rice, lamb, carrot and onion; the Turpan version adds a generous amount of seedless white raisins. The grains absorb lamb fat and carrot sweetness until glossy and separate, while the raisins plump and soften under heat, bursting with natural syrup and contrasting the savory rice with a sweet-salty balance. The Turpan basin is extremely hot and dry with intense sunshine, famous for grapes, and folding them into the pilaf makes the most of the local harvest. It is often made for festivals and family feasts, with this sweeter version especially loved by the young and old, and it stands as a signature taste of Turpan's 'sunshine'.