Al-Nadi with Meat, Walnuts, and Dates – Traditional Gulf Recipe

Al-Nadi with Meat, Walnuts, and Dates – Traditional Gulf Recipe

Al-Nadi with meat, walnuts, and dates is one of the signature dishes of Gulf cuisine. It is widely prepared across the Arabian Gulf, with each region adding its own special touch to the recipe.

This dish is rich and hearty, high in calories, and usually served on special occasions—whether in celebrations or during gatherings and feasts.

It provides the body with a great deal of energy thanks to its nutrient-packed ingredients, especially walnuts and dates, which add both flavor and health benefits.

Every 300 grams of this dish contains about 361 calories, 27 grams of protein, 16 grams of carbohydrates, and 26 grams of fat.

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Ingredients (Serves 6)

 

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 500 g finely ground beef

• 30 g fresh coriander, finely chopped

• 2 chicken stock cubes (Maggi or similar)

• 125 ml hot water

• 50 ml lemon juice

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

• 75 g walnuts, finely chopped

• 100 g dates, finely chopped

• 30 g pomegranate molasses

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• A pinch of salt

• A pinch of black pepper

• Cooked rice for garnish

• Almonds for decoration

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Preparation

1. Cook the meat base:
   Heat the butter in a pan, then add the ground beef and coriander. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes.

2. Add broth and simmer:
   Add the chicken stock and hot water, then let it simmer gently for another 10 minutes until the meat is well cooked.

3. Add flavor mix:
   Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, walnuts, dates, pomegranate molasses, and cumin. Let the mixture cook over low heat for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

4. Serve and garnish:
   Prepare some rice and arrange it around the dish, placing the meat mixture in the center. Garnish with almonds for an elegant finish.

This dish is then served hot to guests, offering a memorable combination of savory meat, crunchy walnuts, and the natural sweetness of dates—a taste that truly reflects the richness of Gulf cuisine.