introduction

This is a simple recipe for a dish called Middle East Sector. It uses warm spices, rice, and meat or a plant-based swap. You can make it at home with few steps. The dish gives warm taste and soft textures. It feels like a meal from the Middle East.

why make this recipe

You make this recipe for warm, good food that feeds many. It uses easy parts you can find in a shop. You make it for family or a small group. It cooks in one pan for less work. The taste is full but not too hard to make.

how to make Middle East Sector

This dish mixes rice with spiced meat and vegetables. You brown the meat, cook the rice with spice, and mix in herbs and nuts. You keep the heat low to make the rice soft. You rest the dish for a short time so the flavors join.

Ingredients :

2 cups long grain rice, washed and drained
1 pound (450 g) ground lamb or beef, or 1 pound cooked chickpeas for a plant swap
1 onion, small, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 carrot, small, diced
1 red pepper, chopped
3 cups water or light broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)
1 lemon, cut in wedges (to serve)

Directions :

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, carrot, and red pepper. Cook 3 minutes more.
Push the veg to the side and add the ground meat. Brown the meat, break it up with a spoon. If you use chickpeas, add them now.
Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute until you smell the spice.
Add the rice and stir to coat the grains with oil and spice.
Pour in the water or broth. Bring to a boil.
Lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is soft and the liquid is gone.
Turn off the heat. Let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the parsley and nuts. Squeeze lemon over each plate to taste.

how to serve Middle East Sector

Serve the dish hot on a big plate or in small bowls. Add lemon wedges and extra herbs. You can serve it with plain yogurt, a small salad, or flat bread. It works as a main meal or a side.

how to store Middle East Sector

Cool the dish to room temp within two hours. Put it in an airtight box. Keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer box for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat on low heat with a splash of water.

tips to make Middle East Sector

Rinse the rice well to make it less sticky.
Use warm broth for more taste.
Do not lift the lid while the rice cooks. This keeps the steam in.
Toast the nuts in a dry pan for more crunch.
Taste and add salt at the end if you use salty broth.

variation (if any)

Make it with chicken pieces instead of ground meat. Brown the chicken first, then cook with rice.
For a vegan meal, use more chickpeas and add more veg like zucchini.
Add raisins or chopped dates for a sweet touch.
Swap spices: add a pinch of turmeric or a little paprika for a different tone.

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes. Brown rice needs more water and more time. Cook about 40 to 45 minutes and use 4 cups of water.

Q: How do I make it less spicy?
A: Use less cumin and no pepper. You can also leave out the cinnamon.

Q: Can I make this in the oven?
A: Yes. After step 6, put the pan in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, covered, until the rice is done.

Q: Can I use a rice cooker?
A: Yes. Add all cooked parts to the rice cooker with the water and cook on the normal rice setting.

Q: Is this good for a party?
A: Yes. It feeds many and you can cook a big pan ahead and warm it before guests arrive.

Conclusion

Try this simple Middle East Sector recipe for a warm, spicy meal that feels like home. For more food ideas and events in the region, see the Middle East Energy event.

Middle East Sector