Saudi Harees with Wheat and Slow-Cooked Meat for a Hearty Meal
Harees is a traditional Saudi dish made with wheat and slow-cooked meat, delivering a rich flavor and creamy texture in about 2 hours.
About This Recipe
Saudi Harees is a comforting dish that combines wheat and slow-cooked meat. Its creamy consistency and rich flavors make it a standout in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Harees is a beloved dish in Saudi cuisine, traditionally prepared during Ramadan and special occasions. This hearty meal consists of cracked wheat and tender meat, cooked until creamy and flavorful.
Using a slow-cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while breaking down the meat and wheat into a smooth consistency. This technique ensures every bite is infused with rich taste.
Expect a creamy texture with a balance of savory and aromatic spices. A common pitfall is overcooking the meat, which can lead to a mushy consistency, so keep an eye on your cooking times.
Serve Harees with a side of flatbread or a fresh salad to balance the richness. It pairs wonderfully with yogurt or a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing contrast.
Why This Recipe Works
Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows the spices and meat to develop deep, complex flavors.
Creamy Texture: The cracked wheat absorbs the meat's juices, creating a rich, creamy consistency.
Nutrient-Rich: Using whole wheat and lean meat provides a nutritious, hearty meal.
Chef's Pro Tip: For an extra creamy texture, blend the cooked harees with an immersion blender before serving.
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
100 min
Total Time
120 min
Servings
Ingredients
Handy tools while you cook
Directions
- 1
Soak the cracked wheat in water for 30 minutes to soften it before cooking.
- 2
In a large pot, heat ghee and sauté the chopped onion until golden brown.
- 3
Add the meat, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon to the pot, cooking until browned.
- 4
Pour in the water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
- 5
Add the soaked cracked wheat to the pot and cook for another 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 6
Once the wheat is tender and the mixture is creamy, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra ghee if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
fat
20g
carbs
40g
fiber
5g
sodium
600mg
protein
30g
calories
450
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