Description
- Discover the authentic flavors of Afghanistan with our Terra Massoud recipe. This slow-cooked layered rice dish features tender meat, caramelized onions, and a symphony of aromatic spices. A truly comforting and delicious culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds lamb or beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups long-grain basmati rice
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (or 4–5 whole green cardamom pods)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
- 1 cup warm water
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted slivered almonds, raisins, or plain yogurt (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Season meat with salt and pepper.
2. Caramelize onions in oil/ghee until golden brown; set half aside.
3. Sear meat with remaining onions until browned; set aside.
4. Rinse rice, add to pot with water and salt; simmer for 7-8 minutes, then drain.
5. Layer half the rice, meat, caramelized onions, spices and then the rest of the rice in a pot
6. Add 1 cup of warm water, cover, and slow cook on low heat for 2-3 hours.
7. Rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs, almonds, or yogurt if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality meat and fresh spices.
- Don’t rush the caramelizing process for the onions; low and slow is key.
- Properly rinsing the rice is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Slow cooking is essential to develop the depth of flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking, Layering
- Cuisine: Afghan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th to 1/8th of the total dish
- Calories: 550-650
- Sugar: 5-8 grams
- Sodium: 500-700mg
- Fat: 25-35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
- Fiber: 5-8 grams
- Protein: 25-35 grams
Keywords: Terra Massoud recipe, Afghan rice dish, layered meat and rice, slow-cooked meal, spiced meat, Afghan cuisine