Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Place the basmati rice in a bowl, cover it with cold water, and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain the soaked rice through a fine mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs mostly clear.
Cooking the Hashweh
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes.
- Continue cooking the onion for a total of 6 to 8 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground lamb or beef to the pan, breaking it apart and spreading it in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains and the meat is browned.
- Add the cinnamon and allspice to the browned meat and onion mixture. Stir and let cook for 1 minute.
- Add the drained rice to the spiced meat mixture and stir to combine. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes.
- After cooking, turn off the heat but let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Cooking the Cucumbers
- In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Add the sliced cucumbers in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the second side.
- Season with a small pinch of salt and remove from heat.
Serving
- Spoon the hashweh onto a serving platter and arrange the cooked cucumbers alongside.
- Serve with yogurt or labneh, a simple salad, or warm flatbread as desired.
Notes
Rinse the rice to prevent stickiness. Brown the meat properly for flavor. Do not overcook cucumbers; they should be tender with a slight bite.
