Dive into the rich and aromatic world of Lebanese cuisine with our tantalizing recipe for Hashweh, a delightful blend of ground beef and basmati rice that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Lebanon! This one-pot wonder is not only incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly easy to prepare, making it the perfect dish for both busy weeknights and special gatherings. With a medley of warm spices, savory beef, and the crunch of toasted pine nuts, Hashweh is sure to become a family favorite. Ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s bursting with flavor? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Lebanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups water or broth
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup basmati rice, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons pine nuts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of water or broth.
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. After rinsing, soak the rice in water for about 15 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, allspice, and cinnamon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the drained basmati rice and mix well to combine all ingredients. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb some of the flavors.
- Pour in 2 cups of water or broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
- While the rice is cooking, toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- After resting, fluff the rice and beef mixture with a fork. Gently fold in the toasted pine nuts.
- Serve the Lebanese Hashweh hot, garnished with additional pine nuts if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Rinse and Soak the Rice: Don’t skip rinsing the basmati rice! This crucial step removes excess starch, ensuring your rice turns out fluffy and separate. Soaking it for 15 minutes also helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Sautéing the Aromatics: Take your time when sautéing the onions and garlic. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish. Aim for a golden color on the onions to enhance the overall taste.
- Season Generously: When cooking the ground beef, be sure to season it well with salt, pepper, allspice, and cinnamon. The spices are what make Hashweh truly special, so don’t be shy!
- Perfectly Toasted Pine Nuts: For the best flavor, toast your pine nuts just before serving. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds!
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to steam, resulting in a fluffier texture.
- Garnish for Presentation: Consider garnishing your Hashweh with additional toasted pine nuts or fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Experiment with Broth: For an extra depth of flavor, try using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice.With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delicious Lebanese dish that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
