Qouzi | FoodieAtlas

Ingredients

For the Lamb:
2 lbs lamb shoulder or leg, cut into large chunks
2 large onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large tomato, chopped
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups water or lamb broth
Salt to taste
For the Rice:
2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup raisins
2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil
Salt to taste
For the Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Lamb

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the lamb chunks to the pot and brown them on all sides.

Stir in the chopped tomato and tomato paste, and cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes are softened.

Add the ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat the lamb with the spices.

Pour in the water or lamb broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and cooked through.

Prepare the Rice

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the soaked basmati rice and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the ghee or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and raisins, and sauté until the almonds are golden brown and the raisins are plump. Remove from heat.

Gently fold the soaked saffron threads and their water into the cooked rice. Add the sautéed almonds and raisins, and mix well.

Assemble the Qouzi

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the saffron rice mixture.

Arrange the cooked lamb pieces on top of the rice.

Pour the remaining lamb broth mixture over the lamb and rice.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors are well combined.

Serve

Transfer the Qouzi to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.