Bukharian Garlic & Chickpea Rice

Serkaniz is a Bukharian palov, a one-pot main course meal typically made with rice, pieces of meat, cubed carrots, and garlic—lots of it—so garlic lovers; rejoice. Although there is a lot of fresh garlic, it adds more of a background flavor—you know it’s there, but it doesn’t have that strong garlic punch. Bukharian cuisine places a strong emphasis on garlic. For one, it’s a natural antibiotic and Central Asians are big proponents of using the medicinal power of foods to heal.