Mutton Ouzi Rice is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with tender pieces of mutton, cooked with a blend of aromatic spices and topped with roasted nuts. This dish is perfect for special occasions and family gatherings. The use of whole spices and slow-cooked mutton gives this dish its distinctive flavor and aroma.
The key to a perfect Mutton Ouzi Rice lies in the preparation of the broth, which is infused with a blend of spices and herbs. The mutton is cooked until tender, and the broth is then used to cook the rice, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and aromatic.
Mutton Ouzi Rice
Ingredients
For the Mutton:
- 500 grams mutton cut into pieces
- 1 large onion sliced
- 4-5 cloves garlic
- 1- inch piece ginger sliced
- 2-3 green chilies
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 4-5 cloves
- 2-3 green cardamom pods
- 1 black cardamom pod
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- 6 cups water
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice soaked for 30 minutes
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons ghee clarified butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Fresh coriander leaves chopped
- Fresh mint leaves chopped
- Salt to taste
For the Garnish:
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon ghee
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mutton
- In a large pot, add the mutton pieces, sliced onion, garlic, ginger, green chilies, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cloves, green cardamom pods, black cardamom pod, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and salt.
- Pour in 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the meat is tender and the broth is flavorful.
- Strain the broth and set aside. Remove the meat pieces and discard the whole spices.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- In a large pot, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the soaked basmati rice and stir gently to coat the rice with the ghee and onions.
- Pour in the prepared broth and add garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork and add the cooked mutton pieces. Mix well.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
- In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee and fry the slivered almonds and pine nuts until golden brown.
- Garnish the Mutton Ouzi Rice with the fried nuts, chopped fresh coriander leaves, and mint leaves.
- Serve hot with yogurt and Arabic salad.
Tips and Information
- Rice: Soaking the basmati rice helps it cook evenly and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Broth: The key to a flavorful Ouzi Rice is the broth, so make sure to simmer it long enough to extract all the flavors.
- Nuts: Fry the nuts just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Experience the taste of the Middle East with homemade Mutton Ouzi Rice. The aromatic and flavorful broth, combined with succulent mutton, makes for a delightful meal. Serve it with yogurt or a fresh salad to fully enjoy the flavors of this traditional dish.