Iraqi Ozi with Meat – Original Recipe Explanation

Iraqi Ozi with Meat – Original Recipe Explanation

Iraqi Ozi is one of the beloved traditional dishes in Iraq, popular for its rich flavors and festive presentation. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to prepare Ozi with meat the Iraqi way, a dish that’s enjoyed by many and is a staple of Iraqi cuisine.

Ingredients for Iraqi Ozi with Meat

• ½ leg of fresh lamb
• 1 onion, sliced + 4 finely chopped onions for the stuffing
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• ½ tablespoon of meat spices
• 3 cups of high-quality rice
• 1 teaspoon of saffron, soaked in 2 tablespoons of water
• ½ teaspoon each of cloves and cardamom
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 400 grams of peas
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• ½ cup of ghee
• 1 tablespoon of ground dried lime (loomi), ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom and white pepper
• ½ cup of raisins
• 1 cup of boiled lentils
• 1 cup of crushed almonds
• 1 tablespoon of oil
• 2 cups of fried vermicelli
• 4 boiled eggs
• 3 carrots, chopped
• Mixed nuts (as desired)
• 2 lemons, cut in half
• 2 tomatoes, halved

How to Prepare Iraqi Ozi with Meat

1. Prepare the Meat:
   In a large bowl, combine the lamb with sliced onion and garlic. Add the salt, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, bay leaves, cloves, meat spices, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well to coat the meat with the spices. Let the meat cook until tender.

2. Prepare the Stuffing:
   In another pot, add ¼ cup of water and sauté the remaining onions. Once softened, add the raisins, boiled lentils, ground loomi, ground cardamom, white pepper, and salt. Stir the mixture well. Then, add the crushed almonds and oil, and continue mixing.

3. Cook the Rice:
   In a separate pot, melt 1 tablespoon of ghee and add the rice. Stir the rice well, then pour in 6 cups of lamb broth and bring it to a boil. Let the rice cook until fully done.

4. Assemble the Ozi:
   In a large serving dish, combine the cooked rice with the lentil mixture and fried vermicelli. Place the cooked lamb on top of the rice mixture.

5. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish the dish with boiled eggs, tomato halves, lemon halves, peas, carrots, and mixed nuts. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Iraqi Ozi!

This dish is perfect for festive occasions, offering a beautiful presentation with a rich, flavorful taste.