Middle Eastern Spiced Rice

I could never imagine finding a former Syrian refugee in Denver. Not only I happened to meet him, but I also discovered that he created a divine Middle Eastern spiced rice. Despite his refusal to give me the recipe, I managed to recreate it and I’m sharing the story and recipe with you here. Enjoy!

On a bright and sunny afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting with a client for lunch at an exquisite Middle Eastern restaurant. Having long been an admirer of the region’s delicious cuisine and its unique blend of flavorsome spices, I was eager to sample their food. I anticipated savoring the rich tastes, aromatic smells, and extraordinary textures that Middle Eastern cooking is renowned for.

As we took our seats and carefully examined the menu, a gentleman came up to us. Introducing himself as a former Syrian refugee, he proudly informed us that this restaurant was his own business venture. It was inspiring to hear of his success in creating something from nothing. He had taken the difficult decision to leave his homeland and now here he was, making a life for himself through hard work and dedication.

Consequently, his story totally fascinated me, and I couldn’t wait to taste the food he had prepared. We ordered a selection of dishes, including a delectable Middle Eastern spiced rice which accompanied our meal.

While we were savoring our meal, my taste buds were delighted by the exciting array of flavors. I was completely astounded by the deliciousness of the food. The experience of dining at the restaurant was nothing short of extraordinary, leaving me with an enduring and treasured memory that will surely stay with me for a long time. I couldn’t help but inquire our server about the recipe for the deliciously Middle Eastern spiced rice dish, wishing to be able to recreate it in my own kitchen one day. She informed me that the Syrian former refugee in the kitchen that had approached us earlier, crafted the dish. It was a treasured family recipe that had been handed down from one generation to the next.

While we were finishing up our meal, I suddenly heard loud and angry words coming from the kitchen. To my surprise, before I was aware of what was happening, a full-blown argument had erupted between the kitchen staff. My client and I stood in disbelief as we observed the two people arguing, vociferously shouting and pushing one another. It was clear that there was some sort of dispute between them, yet we were both curious as to what it could have been about.

The fight eventually subsided, and we were able to settle our bill and make our way out of the restaurant. But the delightful flavor of the spiced rice that I had tasted stayed with me. I couldn’t get it out of my head. Consequently, I decided to attempt to make it myself at home so that I could enjoy it again.

After investigating and a lot of trial and error I managed to recreate this dish with the same flavors I had had in the restaurant. To make the Middle Eastern Spiced Rice you will need some key ingredients. For the spiced meat, you will need olive oil, finely diced red onions, crushed garlic, lamb or ground beef, seven spices or allspice, cinnamon powder, salt, and black pepper. For the spiced rice, you will need basmati rice, water, frozen peas, salt, pepper, and either seven spices or allspice. The dish is garnished with chopped parsley, fresh mint, and lemon wedges that add a refreshing twist to the meal.

A variety of delicious sides and accompaniments can complement the bold flavors of this Middle Eastern spiced rice dish. For example,

Cucumber and tomato salad: a refreshing salad made with chopped cucumbers and tomatoes, fresh parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

Hummus and warm pita bread: The creamy texture and nutty flavor of hummus complement the rice and meat, while the warm pita bread provides a perfect vehicle for scooping up the dip and rice.

Harissa sauce: a spicy paste made with roasted red peppers, garlic, chili peppers, and olive oil, perfect for adding heat to the dish.

Mint tea: a traditional Middle Eastern drink made with fresh mint leaves and hot water, known for its refreshing taste and aroma.

Fruity iced tea: a sweet and tart iced tea made with fruit like lemon or raspberry, ideal for balancing out the spiciness of the dish.

In conclusion, my experience at the Middle Eastern restaurant in Denver was incredibly enlightening and memorable. It showed me how something as simple as a shared meal has the power to bring people together from all different walks of life and bridge cultural divides.

So here is the recipe for Middle Eastern spiced rice:

Ingredients:

Spiced meat:

• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• 2 small red onions, finely diced
• Crushed garlic: 3 cloves.
• 500 gr of lamb or ground beef
• 1 teaspoon of either seven spices or an allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1/2-1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to taste

Spiced rice:

• 2 cups of basmati rice
• 3.5 cups of water
• 200 gr of frozen peas
• A pinch of salt, some pepper, and either seven spices or all spices

To garnish:

• Chopped parsley, fresh

How to make Middle Eastern spiced rice?

Minced meat:

1. In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, stirring continuously.
3. Cook for an additional minute after adding crushed garlic.
4. In a pan, cook the minced beef or lamb for a minute while using a wooden spoon to break apart any clumps.
5. Add a mixture of allspice or seven spice, along with cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
6. Cook the lamb for 6-8 minutes, using a stirring motion and breaking apart any clumps, until the meat has a brown color.
7. If desired, you can drain any extra fat.
8. Seasoning is the key element. Hence, adjust the flavor to your liking by giving the mince a taste test.

Rice:

1. To prepare the rice, soak basmati rice in water for about 15-20 minutes, then drain and rinse until the water runs clear.
2. Combine in a large saucepan: 300 grams of minced meat, 3.5 cups of water, basmati rice (drained), peas (frozen), salt (a big pinch), pepper, and allspice/seven spices (a pinch).
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, uncovered; stirring it until everything is combined.
4. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a low level. Simmer it for 20 minutes or until the moisture is fully absorbed.
5. Remove from the heat and cover for an extra 10 minutes. After this, uncover and use a fork to lightly fluff the rice.
6. You can garnish with toasted pine nuts or almonds and chopped parsley if desired.

You can serve Middle Eastern spiced rice as a main course or as a side dish. If you make it for your family and friends, they’re sure to love it and become fans of your cooking. Don’t hesitate to give it a try – you won’t regret it. Happy cooking!