Made with fragrant rice, seasoned ground beef, and a medley of traditional spices, this Lebanese-style Rice Pilaf (Hashweh) is a delight to your tastebuds! This easy-to-follow recipe is also quick to make so you can have the perfect rice dish in no time! Great for a family dinner or special occasion.
We have a nice Lebanese family that we hold as dear friends. They’ve been kind enough to invite us to their house a few times already. Each time we were treated to the most delicious Lebanese food which included this super flavorful aromatic rice dish with ground beef and almonds that I have enjoyed eating so much!
Me enjoying this yummy Lebanese spiced rice dish won’t be such a surprise! After all, I created a book on rice and noodles so any delicious rice dish is right up my alley, especially this tasty Middle Eastern rice pilaf!
Our friend made a more elaborate version of this Lebanese hashweh recipe for us including using two types of meat and making the broth from scratch! While our recipe for homemade rice pilaf may be simplified, it is still a traditional recipe using a typical Hashweh spice blend that gives this rice dish its distinct and delicious flavor!
The shortcut in method and techniques does not in any way make a shortcut on its authentic flavor! This delicious Lebanese beef and rice dish will totally impress you and your guests! Soon, this ground beef and rice combo will become a family staple.
What is this Lebanese-style rice pilaf (hashweh)?
Hashweh rice is a traditional Middle Eastern dish, particularly popular in Lebanese cuisine. It consists of seasoned rice cooked with ground meat, typically beef or lamb, and sometimes with nuts and dried fruits. The meat is often cooked with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, which infuses the rice with rich and savory flavors.
Hashweh rice is commonly served as a side dish or as a main course accompanied by salad or other Middle Eastern dishes. It’s known for its fragrant aroma, hearty texture, and versatility in complementing various meat and vegetable dishes.
Why You Would Love This Recipe
You would love this easy and quick recipe for Lebanese-style hashweh (rice pilaf) because it offers a tantalizing blend of aromatic spices, tender ground beef, and crunchy almonds, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Lebanese cuisine in a very simple and accessible way.
Ingredients for Lebanese Rice Pilaf
- 2 cups Basmati Rice, soaked in water for 2 hours then rinsed and drained.
- Oil 2 tbsp
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, you can just increase the oil – this is just a personal adaptation)
- 3 teaspoons ground Cinnamon
- 1 1/2 ground Allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground Nutmeg
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Salt, or to taste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pre-roasted slivered Almonds
Instructions for Lebanese Rice Pilaf
Soak the rice. Rinse until clear then drain well.
Heat oil with butter in a deep pan and cook on medium-low until the butter melts. Mix all the spices. Add into a deep pan and stir until very aromatic. We need to heat the spices to release their flavors.
Brown the beef and coat with spices. Season with salt. Adjust heat to low and cook beef for 8-10 minutes until almost dried up.
Add the drained rice, mix with the beef, and coat with the oil and spices remaining in the pan. Pour in about 3 cups of broth. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
Leave undisturbed for 10 minutes. Add the roasted almonds. Taste the rice. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe? You can experiment with any long-grain rice varieties if you like. My favorite for this would be either Jasmine or Basmati as they hold their shape well.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with cooked chickpeas or diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas for a delicious vegetarian version of the pilaf. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to suit your taste.
How do I store leftovers? Allow any leftover pilaf to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to help revive the flavors and prevent the rice from drying out.
This delicious Lebanese spiced rice dish combines simple ingredients with bold flavors to create a dish that is sure to impress. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can bring the taste of Lebanon to your dinner table and delight your family and friends with a truly unforgettable meal.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients and embark on a flavorful journey with this delicious rice pilaf recipe today!
Lebanese-style Rice Pilaf (Hasweh)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati or Jasmine Rice, soaked in water for 2 hours then rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter (optional, you can just increase the oil – this is just a personal preference of mine)
- 3 teaspoons
ground Cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoobs ground Allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground Nutmeg
- 1 lb ground Beef
- 2 teaspoons Salt, or to taste
- 3 cups Beef broth or stock
- 1 cup pre-roasted slivered Almonds
Instructions
- Soak the rice. Rinse until clear then drain well.
- Heat oil with butter in a deep pan and cook on medium low until the butter melts.
- Mix all the spices. Add into deep pan and stir until very aromatic. We need to heat the spices to release their flavors.
- Brown the beef and coat with spices. Season with salt. Adjust heat to low and cook beef for 8-10 minutes until almost dried up.
- Add the drained rice, mix with the beef and coat with the oil and spices remaining in the pan.
- Pour in about 3 cups of broth. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
- Leave undisturbed for 10 minutes.
- Add the roasted almonds.
- Taste the rice. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve and enjoy.
Absolutely delicious. A definite keeper.
Author
Yay! So glad you enjoyed this and thank you for letting us know!