AROUQ BEL RIZ

Arouq bel Riz is a traditional Middle Eastern dish consisting of rice balls stuffed with flavorful mixture of minced chicken/minced turkey or minced beef. The combination of tender rice,seasoned meat and crispy fried exterior makes Arouq bel Riz a delicious and comforting dish.

Arouq bel Riz (Rice balls stuffed with chicken and herbs) that yields 15 large Arouq:

Shell Ingredients:

• 450 grams basmati rice

• 1 tablespoon salt (for soaking)

• 260 grams minced chicken

• 260 grams minced turkey

Spices for the Shell:

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

Filling Ingredients:

• 260 grams minced chicken

• 260 grams minced turkey

• 1 finely chopped onion

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon cardamom

• 2 tablespoons dried lemon powder (limo amani)

Instructions:

Preparing the Shell:

1. Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in water with 1 tablespoon of salt for 30 minutes.

2. After soaking, rinse the rice well, then mix it with the minced chicken, minced turkey, and the spices (salt, pepper, and turmeric).

3. Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for 1 hour to rest.

Preparing the Filling:

1. In a separate bowl, combine the minced chicken, minced turkey, finely chopped onion, and all the spices (salt, pepper, turmeric, cardamom, and dried lemon powder).

2. Mix everything well to ensure the filling is evenly seasoned.

Preparing the Arouq:

1. Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking.

2. Take a small ball of the shell mixture. Flatten it out on your palm.

3. Place 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of the flattened shell mixture.

4. Carefully fold the shell around the filling, sealing the edges and shaping it into a ball.

5. Place the shaped Arouq on a tray and repeat the process until all the ingredients are used up.

Cooking the Arouq:

1. Fill a large pan with water and add 2 tablespoons of salt (or chicken stock for extra flavor). Bring the water to a boil.

2. Carefully drop the Arouq balls into the boiling water, one by one. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan—boil them in batches.

3. Cook the Arouq for about 15 minutes, or until they rise to the surface and are fully cooked.

4. Remove the Arouq from the water and drain them.

Frying the Arouq:

1. Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

2. Fry the Arouq until they are golden and crispy on all sides.

Serving:

• Serve the Arouq bel Riz with a side of salad and amba for a refreshing and flavorful meal.

• Optional: You can also freeze the Arouq after boiling them and fry them later when you’re ready to serve.