Omani Harees
Harees is a traditional Omani dish with ancient roots, consisting of a hearty porridge made from wheat and meat (typically chicken, lamb, or beef). It's slow-cooked until the wheat breaks down, creating a creamy, comforting texture, and is often served during special occasions like weddings and Ramadan.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Wheat grains(cracked or whole wheat berries, soaked overnight or for at least 4 hours)
- 500 g Meat(boneless chicken, lamb, or beef, cut into small pieces)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ground ginger
- 1 tsp Ground cardamom
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 6 cups Water(or as needed)
- 2 tbsp Ghee or butter(for finishing)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley or cilantro(chopped, for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the soaked wheat grains thoroughly and drain.
- 2
In a large pot, combine the drained wheat, meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground ginger, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- 3
Add enough water to cover all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 4
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The wheat grains will break down, and the mixture will thicken.
- 5
Continue to cook, adding more water as needed to maintain a thick, creamy, porridge-like consistency. The meat should be tender and easily shredded.
- 6
Once the desired consistency is reached, use a hand blender or a sturdy wooden spoon to mash the mixture further until very smooth and creamy.
- 7
Stir in the ghee or butter for added richness. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to Harees is slow cooking and constant stirring to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can brown the meat and sauté the onions before adding them to the pot.
- ✓Some variations include adding fried onions, raisins, or nuts as a topping.
🔄 Variations
- Use pearl barley instead of wheat for a slightly different texture.
- A pinch of saffron can be added for a subtle floral note.