🍚 Hashweh (Middle Eastern Spiced Rice)

Serves: 4–6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

• ½ lb (225 g) ground beef or lamb

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1½ cups long-grain rice (basmati preferred), rinsed

• 2½ cups water or broth

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon allspice

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ cup pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional, toasted)

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

   • Heat butter/oil in a pot over medium heat.

   • Add onion and sauté until soft.

   • Add ground meat and cook until browned.

2. Season

   • Stir in cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

3. Add Rice

   • Add rinsed rice and stir for 1–2 minutes to coat with spices.

4. Cook

   • Pour in water or broth.

   • Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes.

5. Finish

   • Fluff rice and top with toasted nuts before serving.

🍽️ Hashweh Serving Ideas

• With yogurt or laban

• Alongside grilled chicken or lamb

• Stuffed into vegetables or grape leaves

🥒 Cooked Cucumbers (Middle Eastern Style)

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, sliced (optional)

• Salt, to taste

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried mint (or fresh)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or yogurt (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics

   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

   • Add onion (if using) and sauté until soft.

   • Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

2. Cook Cucumbers

   • Add cucumbers, salt, and pepper.

   • Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring gently until tender.

3. Finish

   • Stir in mint and lemon juice (or yogurt).

   • Cook 1–2 minutes more.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve warm alongside Hashweh

• As a light side with grilled meats

• Spoon over rice or eat with flatbread

❓ Q & A

Q: Can Hashweh be made with chicken?

A: Yes, finely chopped chicken or ground chicken works well.

Q: Is cooked cucumber mushy?

A: When lightly cooked, it becomes tender and mild, not mushy.

Q: Can I make this meal ahead?

A: Yes. Hashweh reheats very well; cucumbers are best fresh but can be reheated gently.

Q: Is this dish commonly served together?

A: Yes—Hashweh is often paired with cooked vegetables or yogurt-based sides.