Savory Beef with Fragrant Rice and Crunchy Nuts

Beef Recipe with Rice and Nuts: A Flavorful Delight

This dish is a delightful combination of tender beef, carefully cooked with aromatic spices, paired with flavorful rice and crunchy roasted nuts. It’s an excellent choice for special occasions or a hearty lunch that will surely impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 kg of beef (cut into medium-sized cubes)
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon mixed spices
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups beef broth (or water with a broth cube)

For the Rice:

• 3 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
• Salt, to taste
• ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for a beautiful color)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

For Garnishing:

• ½ cup fried almonds
• ½ cup toasted pine nuts
• ¼ cup roasted cashews
• Chopped parsley (optional, for decoration)

Preparation Method

1. Cooking the Beef:

1. Heat the oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and golden.
3. Add the beef cubes and stir well until browned on all sides.
4. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute.
5. Stir in the spices (salt, pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and mixed spices) along with the bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
6. Pour in the beef broth (or water with the broth cube) and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the beef simmer for 45-60 minutes until fully cooked.

2. Preparing the Rice:

1. In a separate pot, heat the oil or ghee.
2. Add the drained rice, turmeric, cardamom, and salt, and sauté for a few minutes.
3. Pour in some water or beef broth (1.5 cups of liquid for every cup of rice).
4. Bring the rice to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.

3. Roasting the Nuts:

1. Heat a little oil in a small frying pan.
2. Roast the almonds, pine nuts, and cashews until they turn golden brown.

4. Assembling and Serving:

1. Place the rice on a large serving dish.
2. Arrange the cooked beef on top of the rice.
3. Sprinkle the roasted nuts on top.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

• Salads: Serve with cucumber yogurt salad or a fresh green salad.
• Sauces: This dish pairs well with tomato sauce or yogurt sauce.
• Appetizers: Enjoy with warm Arabic bread or flatbread.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 600-800 calories (depending on the amount of meat and nuts)
• Protein: Rich in protein from the beef and nuts.
• Carbohydrates: A major source from the rice.
• Fats: Varies based on the oil and nuts used.

Additional Tips:

1. For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef in the spices for about two hours before cooking.
2. Use beef broth to cook the rice for added flavor.
3. Add the nuts just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

This beef recipe with rice and nuts is a delicious, aromatic dish that’s perfect for any celebration or a satisfying family meal. The combination of tender beef, spiced rice, and crunchy nuts makes every bite a delightful experience!