Meamar Rice

Ingredients

• Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Raisins (1/3 cup)
• Almonds (1/3 cup, sliced)
• Water (4 cups)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Turmeric powder (1 teaspoon)
• Cloves (3 whole)
• Cardamom pods (4 whole)
• Cinnamon stick (1 whole)
• Ghee or butter (3 tablespoons)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Onion (1 large, sliced)
• Chicken or lamb (1.5 pounds, cut into pieces)
• Basmati rice (2 cups)

Instructions

1. Wash the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain well.
2. In a large pot, heat the ghee or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and turmeric powder to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
4. Add the chicken or lamb pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-8 minutes.
5. Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot and stir well to coat the rice with the spices and meat for about 2 minutes.
6. Pour in the water and season with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
7. In a separate small pan, heat a tablespoon of ghee or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and raisins, cooking until the almonds are golden and the raisins are plump, around 3-4 minutes.
8. Once the rice is done, fluff it gently with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish. Top with the sautéed almonds, raisins, and chopped cilantro.
9. Serve hot and enjoy the aromatic flavors of this traditional dish!