Thareed  is a delicious, hearty dish popular in the Arabian Gulf, including Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. It consists of slow-cooked meat and vegetables in a flavourful broth, served over crunchy or soft bread. Traditionally, it’s eaten during Ramadan because it’s filling and nutritious.

Ingredients:

For the Meat & Broth:

  • 500g lamb or beef (cut into chunks)

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 onion (finely chopped)

  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1 tsp cumin powder

  • 1 tsp coriander powder

  • ½ tsp turmeric

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

  • 1 tsp cinnamon powder

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 3 ripe tomatoes (chopped)

  • 5 cups water or broth

  • 2 dried limes (loomi), pierced with a knife (optional but recommended)

  • 1 bay leaf

For the Vegetables:

  • 2 potatoes (cut into chunks)

  • 2 carrots (cut into chunks)

  • 1 zucchini (cut into chunks)

  • 1 bell pepper (optional, cut into strips)

For Serving:

  • Thin flatbread (Khobz, Markook, or pita), toasted or fresh

  • Fresh coriander for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Meat

  1. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large pot over medium heat.

  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Add the meat and cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.

  5. Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.

  6. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to enhance the flavour.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

  1. Add chopped tomatoes, cook for 5 minutes until softened.

  2. Pour in 5 cups of water or broth, add dried limes (loomi) and bay leaf.

  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40-50 minutes until the meat is tender.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

  1. Add potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper into the pot.

  2. Cover and cook for another 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

  3. Taste and adjust salt and spices if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Thareed

  1. Tear or place flatbread in a large serving dish.

  2. Pour the hot broth over the bread to soften it.

  3. Arrange the meat and vegetables on top.

  4. Garnish with fresh coriander (optional).

Serving Suggestion:

  • Serve immediately while warm, with a side of dates and fresh salad.

  • Traditionally eaten with hands for an authentic experience.

Enjoy this traditional Arabian comfort food! 🍲😊