Iraqi Saffron Infused Rice with Spiced Meat
Indulge in the rich flavors of Iraqi cuisine with this exquisite Saffron Infused Rice with Spiced Meat. This delightful one-pot dish features fragrant basmati rice, tender ground lamb or beef, and a delicate blend of spices, elevated by the warmth of saffron and the aromatic essence of rose water. Often enjoyed as a hearty meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with yogurt and a fresh salad. This recipe is a cherished family favorite, bringing together a symphony of flavors that make it perfect for both intimate dinners and festive feasts. Explore variations by adding tomato paste for a unique twist and frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness. With each serving, savor the tradition and culture of Iraqi cooking, and delight your loved ones with this comforting dish.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati rice
2 cups (Rinsed and soaked)
Saffron threads
1/2 teaspoon (Pounded)
Rose water
2 tablespoons (For steeping with saffron)
Oil or ghee or butter
1/3 cup (For cooking)
Blanched slivered almonds
1/4 cup (Fried until golden)
Onion
1 medium (Finely chopped)
Ground lamb or beef
275 g (Freshly ground)
Baharat mixed spice
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Sea salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Tomato paste (optional)
2 1/4 tablespoons (For added flavor (optional step))
Raisins
1/4 cup (To be added to meat mixture)
Chicken stock
3 cups (Homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the basmati rice until the water runs clear. This step is crucial to remove excess starch.
2
Soak the cleaned rice in cold water for 30 minutes to allow it to absorb moisture, leading to perfectly fluffy grains.
3
In a small bowl, pound the saffron threads and mix them with the rose water. Allow the mixture to steep, releasing the saffron's vibrant color and flavor.
4
In a large frying pan, heat half of the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the blanched slivered almonds and fry them, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown. Remove the almonds from the pan and set aside on a plate.
5
Next, add the finely chopped onion to the remaining oil in the pan. Sauté gently until the onions become soft and transparent, enhancing their natural sweetness.
6
Increase the heat, then add the ground lamb or beef to the pan. Cook the meat while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, stirring often until it loses its pink color and the juices have evaporated.
7
Stir in the baharat spice blend, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and the raisins. Continue to fry the mixture for an additional minute before removing the pan from heat. Cover and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
8
In a deep, large-bottomed pot, heat the remaining oil or ghee. Once hot, add 2 teaspoons of the saffron-rosewater mixture and the chicken stock. Bring to a vigorous boil.
9
Drain the soaked rice and incorporate it into the boiling stock, seasoning with salt to taste. Stir occasionally until the mixture returns to a gentle boil.
10
Lower the heat to low and cover the pot tightly. Allow the rice to simmer gently for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until it is tender and fluffy.
11
Carefully fold the meat mixture into the cooked rice, being gentle to avoid breaking the grains. To retain moisture, cover the pot’s rim with two paper towels and place the lid on tightly. Let it cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes to steam and develop flavor.
12
Serve the fragrant rice on a large platter, garnishing with the reserved browned almonds and the remaining saffron-rosewater mixture. This dish is best enjoyed with yogurt and a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
11.67
Fat
30
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iraqi Saffron Infused Rice with Spiced Meat?
It is a traditional one-pot Iraqi dish featuring fragrant basmati rice, tender ground lamb or beef, and a blend of spices including saffron and rose water.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
Basmati rice is recommended for its long grains, fragrance, and ability to become perfectly fluffy.
How long should I soak the basmati rice?
The rice should be soaked in cold water for 30 minutes after being thoroughly washed.
Why is washing the rice important?
Washing the rice until the water runs clear is crucial to remove excess starch, which prevents the grains from sticking together.
What meat can be used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 275 grams of ground lamb or ground beef.
What is Baharat spice?
Baharat is a mixed spice blend commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine to season meats and rice dishes.
How is the saffron prepared for this recipe?
Pound the saffron threads and mix them with rose water, allowing the mixture to steep to release its color and flavor.
Can I use butter instead of ghee?
Yes, you can use oil, ghee, or butter for cooking the various components of this dish.
How do I prepare the almonds?
Fry blanched slivered almonds in oil or ghee over medium heat, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown.
What role does rose water play in the recipe?
Rose water provides a delicate aromatic essence that complements the saffron and spices.
When do I add the raisins?
Raisins are added to the pan after the meat has been browned and seasoned with Baharat and salt.
What is the liquid used to cook the rice?
The rice is cooked in 3 cups of chicken stock, which can be homemade or store-bought.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer gently for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until tender and fluffy.
What is the purpose of using paper towels under the lid?
Placing paper towels over the pot's rim helps retain moisture and steam the rice properly for the final 5 minutes of cooking.
How do I combine the meat and rice?
Carefully fold the cooked meat mixture into the rice, being gentle to avoid breaking the delicate grains.
What are some suggested variations for this recipe?
You can add 2 1/4 tablespoons of tomato paste for a unique twist or frozen peas for color and sweetness.
What side dishes go well with this rice?
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of yogurt and a fresh salad.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving of this dish contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 11.67 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the optional tomato paste.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family favorite and a comforting meal.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
The dish is garnished with reserved browned almonds and the remaining saffron-rosewater mixture.
Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?
Yes, ground beef is a perfectly acceptable substitute for ground lamb in this recipe.
How do I ensure the onions are cooked correctly?
Sauté the finely chopped onions gently until they become soft and transparent to enhance their sweetness.
What heat level should I use for simmering the rice?
The rice should be simmered on a low heat setting once the pot is covered.
How much Baharat spice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of Baharat mixed spice.
Is this a spicy dish?
While the dish is flavorful and uses a spice blend, it is aromatic rather than 'hot' spicy.
What is the recommended amount of saffron?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of pounded saffron threads for the infusion.