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Meamar Rice
Meamar Rice is a delightful traditional Middle Eastern dish that beautifully marries aromatic spices, tender meat, and fluffy basmati rice. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a symbol of hospitality in Middle Eastern culture, often served during festive occasions and family gatherings. The combination of fragrant spices and the sweetness of raisins, along with crunchy almonds, provides a rich tapestry of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to the heart of the Middle East.
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
- Wash the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain well.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the chicken or lamb pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-8 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve hot and enjoy the aromatic flavors of this traditional dish!
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the meat in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking.
- You can substitute the chicken or lamb with beef or even a vegetarian option like chickpeas for a plant-based version.
- For a hint of sweetness, consider adding a tablespoon of honey to the rice during cooking.
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Calories: 450 Fat: 20g Carbs: 50g Protein: 30g Sodium: 300mg Sugar: 10g
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