Looking for a comforting and nourishing meal? Jareesh is one such dish hailing from the Arabian Peninsula that signifies the culinary legacy of the Middle East. The dish is also popular as crushed or cracked wheat. 

The dish is named after the grain “wheat”, which is cooked with broth and meat until tender. Upon cooking, it becomes creamy and grain-based stew. Adding za’atar gives it’s an exotic aroma and tang.

Where did Jareesh originate from?

The history of this grain-based dish is century-old. Since wheat was an initial grain, it was natural to be incorporated into many dishes of the Arabian Peninsula. The desert-dwelling communities used this dish as a nutritious alternative. It popularity soared and that’s how it became a mainstream dish around Saudi Arabia. Over the period, the dish has witnessed many adaptations, however, the core taste remains the same.

Here is how to prepare Jareesh at home.

Jareesh Recipe 

Ingredients you need

• 1 cup of crushed or cracked wheat (Jareesh)
• 2 cups of cooked chicken/lamb (shredded into pieces)
• 4 cups of chicken/lamb broth
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp of za'atar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Recipe instructions

• Rinse Jareesh or cracked wheat with cold water until the water runs clear. Set the bowl aside.
• Take a pot and heat oil into it. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onions. Cook until the onion is translucent.
• Add the crushed wheat and keep stirring until it is combined with the onion perfectly.
• Roast it for a minute and add the chicken broth. Set the heat flame high and bring it to a boil.
• Once the mixture starts boiling, set the flame to low and cook it for two to three hours. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. 
• When the Jareesh starts thickening, add shredded chicken or lamb, za’atar, and season it with pepper and salt. Cook the dish for another 5 to 10 minutes.
•  Switch off the heat and let the dish settle for a few minutes.
• You can serve Jareesh with fresh yogurt, salad, and pickles. 

So, whether you are a home cook or seasoned chef, creating this Middle Eastern cuisine is easy. You can prepare it on any occasion for a hearty meal. The dish combines the flavours of broken wheat, meat, and za’atar for an exotic taste.

If you want to prepare exotic rice dishes, consider contacting top rice exporters in Saudi Arabia. These rice suppliers in Saudi Arabia deliver premium basmati rice for flavourful dishes.