Mediterranean Meat & Rice Delight
This Mediterranean Meat & Rice Delight is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines spiced ground meat with perfectly cooked rice and protein-rich chickpeas. It’s easy to make and perfect for family meals, potlucks, or dinner parties. The warm spices of allspice, cinnamon, and garlic create an inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen, while the tender textures come together to make each bite satisfying. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh Middle Eastern salad and creamy yogurt, or can be served as an accompaniment to baked lamb or other roasted meats for a comforting feast.
N/A
Servings
230
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked rice
5 cups (cooked)
ground lamb or ground turkey
1/2 lb (raw)
diced onion
1/3 cup (diced)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
allspice
1/2-3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
cinnamon
1/3 teaspoon (to taste)
seasoning salt or regular salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
diced red pepper
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by setting aside your cooked rice in a large bowl or pot.
2
In a large pot over medium heat, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, and ground meat. Stir frequently, breaking up the meat into small, taco-like pieces to ensure even browning.
3
Once the meat is nearly browned (about 5-7 minutes), add the drained chickpeas to the pot and continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and the chickpeas are heated through.
4
Drain any excess fat from the pot, then gently fold in the reserved cooked rice and a sprinkle of all the spices: allspice, cinnamon, seasoning salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and the optional diced red pepper for color.
5
Stir everything together until well combined and heated throughout, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside a Middle Eastern salad and a side of yogurt for an extra touch!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
30.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Meat & Rice Delight?
It is a hearty dish combining spiced ground meat, cooked rice, and protein-rich chickpeas with warm Mediterranean spices like allspice and cinnamon.
What meat can be used in this recipe?
You can use either 1/2 lb of ground lamb or ground turkey.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 230 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe contains 10g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this Mediterranean rice dish?
The dish contains 7.5g of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates?
There are 30.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much rice is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of rice that has already been cooked.
Does the rice need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the instructions specify setting aside cooked rice to be folded in later.
What kind of chickpeas should I use?
Use one 15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained.
What spices provide the Mediterranean flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of allspice, cinnamon, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
How much cinnamon is added?
The recipe uses 1/3 teaspoon of cinnamon, adjusted to taste.
How much allspice is needed?
You should use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of allspice.
Is fresh garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Does the recipe use garlic powder as well?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic.
How long does it take to brown the meat?
The meat takes about 5-7 minutes to brown over medium heat.
Should I drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, instructions advise draining any excess fat before adding the rice and spices.
What optional vegetable can be added for color?
You can add 1/4 cup of diced red pepper for extra color and flavor.
What are the recommended side dishes?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh Middle Eastern salad and creamy yogurt.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family meals, potlucks, or dinner parties.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the optional red pepper.
Can I use regular salt?
Yes, you can use either 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt or regular salt.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pot meal for easy cleanup.
How much onion is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of diced onion.
When do I add the chickpeas?
Add the chickpeas when the meat is nearly browned and cook until they are heated through.
How should the meat be broken up?
Break the meat into small, taco-like pieces to ensure even browning.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to stir everything together until heated throughout, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a hearty feast.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the texture of the dish?
It features tender meat and rice combined with the slight bite of chickpeas and optional peppers.