Ouzi
Ouzi is a delicious middle eastern rice pilaf that contains veggies like peas, carrots, onions, garlic and of course some delicious and fragrant spices. You can make Ouzi using beef or lamb today I used Beef. It is super easy to make, pair it with a simple salad and you’ll have delicious dinner on the table in no time.
—Beef Ingredients——
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (diced small)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon seven spice (you can find it in middle eastern markets)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
——Ouzi Rice Ingredients——
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups basmati rice (wash and soak in water for 20-30 minutes)
2 cups frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon seven spice
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
2.5 cups hot water (or vegetable, chicken broth)
——Garnish——
1/4 cup pine nuts or almonds toasted in 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chopped parsley
1. To start Wash rice until water runs clear and soak the rice in warm water for about 20-30 minutes.
2. In a pan on high heat add olive oil, onion, garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Next add in the ground beef, break it up a little bit then season it with the spices, mix and cook for 10 minutes. stirring frequently until it is fully browned. Add in 1 cup of peas and carrots, mix again and let cook for 1 minute until the vegetables are heated through. Then remove it from the pan.
3. Start on the Ouzi rice in the same pan on high heat add olive oil, strain the rice and add it in the pan along with the seasonings and give it a good mix. Next Add in the peas and carrots, hot water and give it a good mix again. Cover and cook on high heat until the liquid reduces down a little bit, it should take 5 minutes. Then turn down the heat to really low and let the rice cook for another 20 minutes.
4. While the rice is cooking toast the pine nuts in olive oil, until lightly golden.
5. Once everything is done cooking, Plate the rice first, then the delicious beef on top. Then, top it with the toasted pine nuts and parsley as garnish and enjoy!! #lemon8partner #middleeasternrecipes #Ouzi #ricepilaf #dinnerideas
I absolutely adore making Ouzi; it's one of those dishes that instantly transports me to a cozy Middle Eastern dinner table. While this recipe focuses on a fantastic beef version, I know many of you might be curious about other variations, especially chicken ouzi. Good news! Making Ouzi with chicken is absolutely delicious and quite simple to adapt. How to Make a Scrumptious Chicken Ouzi If you're looking to make chicken ouzi, here's my personal approach: Instead of ground beef, you can use either ground chicken or shredded chicken breast/thighs. If using ground chicken, follow the same steps as the beef: sauté the onions and garlic, then add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Season it with the same fragrant spices like seven spice, black pepper, salt, chili flakes, and cinnamon. It will absorb all those wonderful flavors just like the beef. If you prefer using chicken pieces, I recommend dicing boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces. Cook them separately until fully done and slightly browned, then stir them into the rice pilaf along with the peas and carrots, or layer them on top as you would with the beef. The cooking time for chicken is generally a bit shorter than beef, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking, ensuring it stays juicy and tender. This adaptation makes for a lighter yet equally satisfying Ouzi! Essential Tips for Perfect Ouzi Every Time Beyond just the meat, there are a few other tricks I've picked up over time to make my Ouzi truly exceptional: Rice Soaking is Key: Don't skip the 20-30 minute rice soaking! It helps the basmati rice cook more evenly, resulting in perfectly fluffy, separate grains rather than a sticky mess. It's a small step that makes a huge difference in the final texture of your Ouzi. Spice Blend Magic: The seven-spice blend is the heart of Ouzi's flavor. If you can't find it, you can create your own blend using a mix of allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, coriander, and cardamom. Adjust to your taste! I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. Toasted Nuts for Crunch: Don't underestimate the power of toasted pine nuts or almonds. That golden crunch and nutty aroma add an incredible dimension of flavor and texture to the finished dish. Just a minute or two in a pan with a little olive oil makes them perfect. Serving & Storage Suggestions To complete your Ouzi meal, I always recommend serving it with a simple, refreshing side. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, or a dollop of plain yogurt, cuts through the richness beautifully. Pickled vegetables are another fantastic accompaniment. Ouzi is also wonderful for meal prep! I often make a large batch because it stores incredibly well. Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, I like to add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist, gently warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It tastes just as delicious the next day!
I am constantly looking for rice dishes for my two picky kids. They love rice and so far every time I try a new recipe it's put on the list. I have no doubt this will be a go to recipe.