Harees Dajaj (Jeddah Style)
A comforting and hearty porridge made from cracked wheat and chicken, slow-cooked to a creamy consistency, often seasoned with cardamom and ghee. This Jeddah-style variation emphasizes a rich chicken flavor and a smooth texture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Cracked wheat (burghul)
- 1 whole (about 1.5 kg) Chicken(cut into pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4-5 pods Cardamom pods
- 1 stick Cinnamon stick
- 4 tablespoons Ghee(plus more for serving)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 8-10 cups Water(or as needed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the cracked wheat thoroughly and soak in water for at least 1 hour.
💡 Tip: Soaking helps the wheat cook faster and become creamier. - 2
In a large pot, sauté the chopped onions in 2 tablespoons of ghee until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 3
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, along with cardamom pods and cinnamon stick. Season with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken on all sides.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Drain the soaked cracked wheat and add it to the pot with the chicken. Add 8 cups of water, ensuring the wheat and chicken are submerged.
💡 Tip: You can adjust water quantity as needed during cooking. - 5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 2.5-3 hours💡 Tip: The mixture should become very thick and creamy. If it becomes too dry, add more hot water. - 6
Once the wheat is fully cooked and the chicken is tender, remove the chicken pieces. Shred the chicken meat and discard bones and skin.
💡 Tip: You can also mash some of the wheat directly in the pot for extra creaminess. - 7
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until well combined and heated through.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 8
Serve hot, drizzled with extra ghee and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
💡 Tip: Some prefer to mash the harees further with a wooden spoon or whisk for a smoother texture.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can boil the chicken separately first and use the chicken broth to cook the wheat.
- ✓Ensure to stir frequently, especially towards the end of cooking, to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
- ✓Adjust seasoning to your preference. Some add a pinch of cumin for added depth.
🔄 Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.
- Some add a touch of rose water at the end for a floral aroma.