Description
A layered baked rice dish featuring saffron-infused basmati rice and richly spiced meat filling, finished with nuts and herbs.
Ingredients
Spiced Meat Filling:
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 750 g (1 1/2 lb) lamb mince or beef
- 2 1/2 tbsp baharat spice mix
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 small eggplant, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups water
Golden Rice:
- 3 cups basmati rice
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads
- 2 tbsp boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Layering & Serving:
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or almonds
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon yogurt sauce
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook rice in salted water until just tender; drain.
- Soak saffron in boiling water.
- Mix rice with saffron water, yogurt, eggs, oil, and salt.
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add meat and brown.
- Stir in spices, tomato paste, eggplant, and water; simmer.
- Layer half rice, meat filling, then remaining rice in a baking dish.
- Top with nuts and drizzle olive oil.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45–50 minutes until golden.
- Rest briefly and serve with lemon yogurt sauce.
Notes
- Use lamb for richer flavor, beef for a milder taste.
- Don’t skip saffron if possible for authentic aroma and color.
- Let the bake rest before slicing to hold its shape.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes