Terra Massoud
The Terra Massoud recipe is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish, featuring slow-cooked meats, aromatic spices, and preserved lemons. It embodies rich cultural heritage and is perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
Equipment
- Heavy-Bottomed Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb, chicken, or beef cut into uniform pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil or ghee
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 preserved lemon finely chopped
Spices
- 1 tsp ras el hanout
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp saffron soaked in warm water
- 1 tsp harissa optional for heat
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1 cup water or broth
- 2 cups basmati rice rinsed and parboiled
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in ras el hanout, cumin, coriander, and saffron, toasting lightly to release flavors.
- Add chopped preserved lemons and mix well.
- Introduce the protein of choice (lamb, chicken, or beef) and sear on all sides.
- Add chopped tomatoes and pour in water or broth.
- Cover and let simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender.
- Meanwhile, parboil the basmati rice for 5 minutes, then drain.
- In a separate large pot, layer half of the parboiled rice at the bottom.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the rice, then cover with the remaining rice.
- Drizzle saffron-infused water over the top layer and cover the pot.
- Cook on low heat for 30 to 45 minutes until the rice fully absorbs the flavors.
- Fluff the rice gently before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace meat with chickpeas or mushrooms while keeping the same spice blend and cooking method.