Eritrean Spiced Rice with Minced Beef (Hashweh)
A fragrant and flavorful one-pot dish of Basmati rice cooked with spiced minced beef, carrots, and peas. Hashweh is a popular comfort food in Eritrean and Middle Eastern cuisines, often served as a complete meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Basmati rice(rinsed and drained)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tsp Baharat spice blend(or Middle Eastern 7-spice blend)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 medium Carrots(finely diced)
- 0.5 cup Frozen peas
- 2.25 cups Water or Beef Broth
- 0.25 tsp Cinnamon(optional)
- 0.25 tsp Cardamom(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- 3
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
- 4
Stir in the Baharat spice blend, salt, pepper, and optional cinnamon and cardamom. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the diced carrots and frozen peas to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- 6
Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the beef and vegetable mixture.
- 7
Pour in the water or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- 8
Once cooked, let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes off the heat. Fluff with a fork before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the rice is thoroughly rinsed to prevent stickiness.
- ✓If using beef broth, it will add an extra layer of flavor.
- ✓You can substitute ground lamb for ground beef.
- ✓For a richer flavor, toast the Baharat spices briefly before adding the meat.
🔄 Variations
- Add a handful of toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts for garnish.
- Incorporate other vegetables like finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini.
- Serve with a side of yogurt or a simple salad.