Photo from hungrypaprikas.com

Embark on a flavorful journey with Quzi, a cherished dish deeply rooted in Middle Eastern culinary tradition. With its rich blend of aromatic spices and tender meat, this recipe promises to delight your senses and transport you to the heart of exotic cuisine.

Ingredients:

2 lbs (0.9 kg) lamb shoulder, cubed

2 cups of basmati rice

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon of ground cumin

1 teaspoon of ground cardamom

1 teaspoon of ground cloves

1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

1/4 cup of chopped almonds

1/4 cup of raisins

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for cooking

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until golden brown. Add cubed lamb shoulder to the pot, cooking until browned on all sides. Stir in ground cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg, coating the meat evenly with the spices. Pour enough water to cover the meat, then cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender. In a separate pot, cook basmati rice according to package instructions. Once the lamb is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped almonds and raisins, cooking until they are slightly toasted. To serve, arrange the cooked rice on a platter, top with the tender lamb, and sprinkle with the toasted almonds, raisins, and fresh parsley.

Serving:

Quzi is traditionally served as a centerpiece dish for special occasions and gatherings, accompanied by fragrant rice and garnished with nuts and raisins. Enjoy it with a side of yogurt or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Quzi is more than just a meal it's a celebration of Middle Eastern flavors and hospitality. With its tender meat, fragrant spices, and abundance of textures, this dish is sure to captivate your taste buds and leave you longing for more.