Go Back

Hashweh and Cooked Cucumbers

A comforting Middle Eastern dish featuring spiced meat and rice, served with buttery cooked cucumbers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Hashweh
  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef Ground lamb gives a richer flavor, but beef works as well.
  • 1 cup basmati rice Rinse and soak before cooking.
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cinnamon Use fresh if possible.
  • 1 tsp allspice Use fresh if possible.
  • to taste salt and pepper
For the Cooked Cucumbers
  • 2 cucumbers, sliced Slice into rounds about half a centimeter thick.
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Watch to prevent burning.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the basmati rice in a bowl, cover it with cold water, and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. 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
  1. 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.
  2. Continue cooking the onion for a total of 6 to 8 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the cinnamon and allspice to the browned meat and onion mixture. Stir and let cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add the drained rice to the spiced meat mixture and stir to combine. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes.
  7. After cooking, turn off the heat but let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
  8. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Cooking the Cucumbers
  1. In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
  2. 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.
  3. Season with a small pinch of salt and remove from heat.
Serving
  1. Spoon the hashweh onto a serving platter and arrange the cooked cucumbers alongside.
  2. 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.