Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

Halal Cart Rice - Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf, Cafe Bagheri Style

Login to Save
2K views👍 122
Cafe Bagheri
Cafe Bagheri
17 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Cafe Bagheri to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipes in this Video

3 recipes

Halal cart rice is a popular street food originating from Middle Eastern food carts in cities like New York. This dish typically features seasoned chicken served over rice, accompanied by fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce. It reflects the culinary traditions of halal cuisine, which emphasizes permissible food practices in Islam. Today, variations of this dish are enjoyed globally, often customized with different proteins and sauces, showcasing its versatility and widespread appeal.

Ingredients

  • long-grain rice
  • chicken thighs
  • olive oil
  • onion
  • garlic
  • cumin
  • coriander
  • paprika
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • cabbage
  • tomatoes
  • cucumber
  • parsley
  • lemon juice
  • yogurt
  • hot sauce

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. 2Soak rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
  3. 3Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  4. 4Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. 5Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. 6Stir in cumin, coriander, and paprika; cook for 1 minute.
  7. 7Add soaked rice and stir to coat in spices and oil.
  8. 8Pour in water and season with salt; bring to a boil.
  9. 9Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  10. 10Meanwhile, season chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  11. 11Grill chicken over medium heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
  12. 12Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  13. 13Prepare a salad with chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley.
  14. 14Mix lemon juice with yogurt for a dressing.
  15. 15Serve rice topped with sliced chicken, salad, and yogurt sauce, drizzling with hot sauce.

Ingredient Alternatives

yogurt

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories.

chicken thighs

Healthier: chicken breast

Cheaper: chicken drumsticks

Chicken breast is leaner, while drumsticks are often cheaper.

Techniques

sautéinggrillingboiling

Equipment

large potgrillcutting boardknifemixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediummilk

Also Known As

Chicken and RiceHalal Street Food Rice

Shawarma is a popular street food in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, where it has been enjoyed for generations. The dish consists of marinated meat that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie, traditionally served in pita bread with various toppings. Shawarma has gained international popularity and is often customized with different sauces and vegetables, reflecting local tastes.

Ingredients

  • chicken
  • garlic
  • yogurt
  • cumin
  • paprika
  • coriander
  • olive oil
  • lemon juice
  • pita bread
  • vegetables

Instructions

  1. 1Marinate chicken with garlic, yogurt, cumin, paprika, coriander, olive oil, and lemon juice.
  2. 2Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  3. 3Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
  4. 4Grill or roast the marinated chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred.
  5. 5Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
  6. 6Serve in pita bread with fresh vegetables and additional sauce if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

chicken

Healthier: turkey

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner, while chicken thighs are more budget-friendly.

yogurt

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt is higher in protein, while sour cream is often cheaper.

Techniques

marinatinggrilling

Equipment

grillmixing bowlknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumdairygluten

Also Known As

ShawarmaShawerma

Originating from the food carts of New York City, Halal Guys' white sauce has become iconic for its creamy, tangy flavor that complements their seasoned meats and rice. This sauce is often enjoyed with Middle Eastern dishes, embodying a fusion of flavors that appeals to diverse palates. Today, it has gained popularity beyond NYC, inspiring home cooks to recreate this beloved condiment.

Ingredients

  • mayonnaise
  • yogurt
  • garlic
  • lemon juice
  • vinegar
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • water

Instructions

  1. 1Combine mayonnaise and yogurt in a bowl.
  2. 2Add minced garlic to the mixture.
  3. 3Stir in lemon juice and vinegar until smooth.
  4. 4Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
  5. 5Add water gradually to reach desired consistency.
  6. 6Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Ingredient Alternatives

mayonnaise

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

yogurt

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt offers a thicker texture and tanginess

vinegar

Cheaper: lemon juice

Lemon juice can provide acidity with a different flavor profile

Techniques

mixing

Equipment

mixing bowlwhiskmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggs

Also Known As

White SauceGarlic Sauce

Other Takes on Chicken

(24 videos)

Similar Middle Eastern Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Dishes From Other Cuisines

(19 videos)