Lamb And Rice: Middle Eastern Inspired Dinner

Quzi is a beloved dish in Iraqi cuisine that beautifully marries tender lamb with fragrant rice, often accompanied by a variety of spices. This hearty meal is perfect for gatherings or whenever you want to treat yourself to a satisfying and flavorful experience. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delightful dish!

Quzi (Authentic Iraqi Lamb over Rice)

This dish features succulent lamb seasoned with aromatic spices, served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s often served with nuts and raisins that add a lovely texture and sweetness to the meal.

### Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or ghee
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups water or broth
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds or pine nuts, toasted
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute until fragrant.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lamb chunks. Brown the lamb on all sides.
4. Sprinkle in the cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat with spices.
5. Add the water or broth, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender.
6. Remove the lamb chunks and set aside. Strain the broth to use later if necessary.
7. In a separate pot, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
8. In the same pot, add the strained broth (or fresh water) and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice.
9. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
10. While the rice cooks, you can roast the lamb in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes to give it a nice crust.
11. Serve the rice on a large platter, topped with the lamb, raisins, and toasted nuts. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

Enjoy your delicious Quzi as a centerpiece for your next meal, and indulge in the rich flavors and tradition that this dish brings to your table!

source: www.hungrypaprikas.com