Haneeth

Haneeth – tender Saudi slow-cooked lamb dish
Saudi-Arabia
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Haneeth is a beloved traditional dish from Saudi Arabia, featuring tender lamb slow-cooked to perfection. Often enjoyed during special occasions and gatherings, it reflects the rich culinary heritage of the region. This hearty meal is typically served with rice and is a staple at festive celebrations.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~450 kcal / serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900 g) lamb shoulder or leg, cut into large pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
  • 4 cups water or lamb broth
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 green bell peppers, chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

In a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the lamb pieces and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the lamb and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Add Spices and Tomatoes

Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes.

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to break down.

Combine Ingredients

Return the seared lamb to the pot.

Add the chopped green bell peppers, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.

Pour in the water or lamb broth and bring to a simmer.

Bake

Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.

Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the lamb is tender and falls apart easily.

Cook the Rice

About 30 minutes before the lamb is done, cook the rice.

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

Add the soaked and drained basmati rice and a pinch of salt.

Cook until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain any excess water.

Serve

Once the lamb is done, remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick.

Enjoy your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Haneeth?

Haneeth is a traditional Saudi Arabian dish made of lamb that is slow-cooked until tender, often seasoned with spices like cumin and coriander.

Where does Haneeth come from?

Haneeth originates from Saudi Arabia, where it is a popular dish served at family gatherings and celebrations.

What are the main ingredients in Haneeth?

The key ingredients in Haneeth include lamb shoulder or leg, olive oil, onions, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom.

How long does Haneeth take to make?

Haneeth takes approximately 170-210 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Haneeth?

Haneeth is typically served with fluffy rice, fresh salad, or flatbread to soak up the delicious juices.