Hashweh Rice: Middle Eastern Rice w/ Ground Beef & Yogurt Sauce

Experience the bold flavors of the Middle East with this aromatic rice and spiced ground beef dish. Fluffy, cardamom-infused rice is tossed with seasoned ground beef (or lamb), peas, and crunchy pine nuts, then paired with a refreshing yogurt sauce for the perfect balance of warmth and creaminess.
This is a variation of the traditional Lebanese Hashweh recipe, and dare I say, it might be even tastier than the original!
If you can’t find Middle Eastern seven-spice mix, use the following blend:
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon cloves
Enjoy!
Hashweh Rice: Middle Eastern Rice w/ Ground Beef & Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
- 500 gr ground beef (ground lamb is a good option as well)
- 1 chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves grated
- 370 gr basmati long grain rice 2 cups
- 3 cardamom pods
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 2 teaspoons seven spices mix (check tips below for recipe)
- 220 gr frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine seeds
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Yogurt Sauce
- 300 gr yogurt
- 2 teaspoons dry mint
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
Cook the Rice
- In a pot, bring 2 liters (2 quarts) of water to a boil.
- Add washed rice, 2 teaspoons salt, and the cardamom pods to the boiling water. Stir to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until tender (about 10 minutes).
- Drain the rice, discard the cardamom pods, and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large pan, heat ghee over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onion and grated garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and 2 teaspoons salt, cooking until browned.
- Stir in seven-spice mix and cook for another 2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Add frozen peas, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes. If the mixture starts sticking, add a little water.
Combine Rice and Meat:
- Once the meat is cooked, mix in the cooked rice and stir until well combined.
- Garnish with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, grated garlic, salt, pepper, and dried mint until smooth.
- Serve alongside the rice dish.
Notes
For additional protein, cook 300-400g (⅔ – ⅘ lb) lean meat chunks in a pressure cooker with:
- 3 cardamom pods
- ½ onion
- 1 carrot
- A few peppercorns
- Salt

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