Iraqi food: Qoozi

lamb

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: beef

Chicken is leaner and more affordable than lamb.

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa is a healthier grain option, while long-grain rice is more economical.

almonds

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts provide similar texture and flavor, while sunflower seeds are a budget-friendly option.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: dried apricots

Dried cranberries offer a tart flavor, and dried apricots are often less expensive.

Marinate lamb with spices and olive oil for at least 2 hours.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sear the marinated lamb until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove lamb and set aside; in the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add chopped tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes; cook for another 5 minutes.

Return the lamb to the pot and cover with water; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until lamb is tender.

Remove lamb and strain the broth; reserve for cooking rice.

Add basmati rice to the broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook rice until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

While rice cooks, roast almonds in a dry skillet until golden, about 3-4 minutes.

Shred lamb into bite-sized pieces and mix with cooked rice.

Serve rice topped with lamb and garnished with roasted almonds and raisins.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens