Traditional Middle Eastern Harees Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of Harees (Wheat)
  • 500g of boneless Chicken
  • 2 tablespoon of Ghee (Clarified Butter)
  • 1 teaspoon of Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of White Pepper
  • 1/2 cup of Heavy Cream
  • 2 liters of Water
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 2-3 Cardamom Pods
  • Sugar to taste (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the Harees (wheat) in water for at least 8 hours, or overnight if possible.
  2. Once soaked, drain the water and put the Harees in a large pot.
  3. Add the chicken, salt, white pepper, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods to the pot.
  4. Pour in 2 liters of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Cook for about 5-6 hours, or until the Harees and chicken are fully cooked and the mixture has a porridge-like consistency.
  7. After the mixture is cooked, remove the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods. Then, shred the chicken into small pieces using a fork.
  8. Stir in the ghee and heavy cream until well combined, and add sugar if desired.
  9. Keep the Harees on low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. Once done, serve the Harees hot, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of ghee if desired.

Tools for making

  • Large Pot - A pot big enough to cook the Harees and chicken mixture.
  • Fork - To shred the cooked chicken into small pieces.
  • Stove - To cook the Harees on low heat.
  • Measuring Cup - To measure the Harees, ghee, and heavy cream accurately.
  • Knife - To cut the chicken into boneless pieces.
  • Spoon - To stir the Harees mixture while cooking.
  • Strainer - To drain the water from soaked Harees.
  • Ladle - To serve the cooked Harees into bowls.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes to make a meat-free version of Harees.
  • Beef Harees: Substitute the chicken with beef for a heartier variation.
  • Lamb Harees: Use lamb instead of chicken for a rich and flavorful twist.
  • Spicy Harees: Add spices like red chili powder, cumin, and coriander for a fiery kick.
  • Sweet Harees: Skip the savory seasonings and add sugar, raisins, and nuts to make a sweet version of Harees.
  • Whole Wheat Harees: Replace the regular wheat with whole wheat to make a healthier alternative.
  • Coconut Harees: Add coconut milk or grated coconut for a touch of creaminess and tropical flavor.
  • Herb-infused Harees: Add fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro for added freshness and aroma.
  • Cheesy Harees: Stir in some grated cheese of your choice to make a creamy and cheesy version.
  • Gluten-Free Harees: Substitute the wheat with gluten-free grains like rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.

Recipe overview

Harees is a traditional Middle Eastern dish, often enjoyed during the holy month of Ramadan. It is a comforting and nourishing dish made of wheat and chicken, slow-cooked to a creamy, porridge-like consistency. This dish is typically seasoned with spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and finished with a touch of ghee and cream for richness. Soaking the wheat overnight is key to achieving the right texture, and patience is a virtue as the dish needs several hours to cook. But don't worry - the wait is definitely worth it! Once ready, you can enjoy Harees as a warm and filling main dish, or sweeten it with sugar for a unique dessert. Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to make a delicious pot of Harees at home.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to soak the Harees (wheat)? It is recommended to soak the Harees in water for at least 8 hours, or overnight if possible.
  2. How long does it take to cook the Harees? The Harees should be cooked for about 5-6 hours on low heat, or until it reaches a porridge-like consistency.
  3. Can I use any type of chicken? Boneless chicken is recommended for this recipe, but you can use bone-in chicken if desired. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  4. Can I add additional spices? Yes, you can add spices according to your taste preferences. Some common additions include turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
  5. Can I make Harees vegetarian? Yes, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth or water instead. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  6. Can I make Harees in advance? Yes, you can make Harees in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  7. How can I garnish the Harees? You can garnish the Harees with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of ghee before serving. Other options include chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
  8. Is sugar necessary? No, sugar is optional. You can omit it if you prefer a savory Harees.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - A pot with a capacity of at least 5 liters to cook the Harees.
  • Fork - To shred the cooked chicken into small pieces.
  • Cooking Spoon - For stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Cup - To measure the quantity of Harees, water, and cream accurately.
  • Knife - For chopping the chicken into small pieces before cooking.
  • Bowls - For serving the prepared Harees.
  • Serving Spoon - To serve the Harees onto plates or bowls.
  • Garnish Options - Cinnamon powder or ghee, for sprinkling or drizzling over the served Harees.

Origin stories

Harees holds a distinctive place in the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern cuisine. Originally from the Arabian Peninsula, it has been a staple food during the holy month of Ramadan for centuries. It is said that Harees was a favorite dish of Prophet Mohammed, making it deeply ingrained in the Islamic tradition. The dish is so time-honored that it even has a mention in the story of a famous Arabic love tale of Qays and Layla, often referred to as the "Romeo and Juliet of the East". Qays, driven to madness by his love for Layla, would often forget to eat, and it was Harees that his friends would bring him, for its nutritional value could sustain him for long periods. Thus, Harees is not just food; it's a slice of history and a symbol of culture, hospitality, and tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.