Oozy (Syrian meat and rice pie)

Prep: 20 Mins

Cook: 30 Mins

Serves: 10 serving

Estimated calorie: 500 per serving

RECIPE BY: Sana Hounian

Dish Name: Oozy (Syrian meat and rice pie)

Dish Country: Syrian

Ingredients

-1 pound of cubed lamb or beef (small pieces) -2 cups of basmati rice -2 tablespoons of butter -1 tablespoon of oil -1 diced onion -1 cup of diced carrots -1 cup of baby sweet peas -Salt to taste -1 tablespoons of 7 spices mix (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, allspice, pepper, and cloves) -1/3 cup of slivered roasted almonds -1 pound of puff pastry squares -1 egg yolk (for brushing the pastry)

Step-By-Step Preparation

-In a pan, heat the oil and butter. Add the onions and the meat cubes and sautee well. Add the peas and carrots, and continue to sautee, stirring occasionally. Add the salt and the 7 spices and mix everything well. Add a cup of warm water. Reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the meat is tender. -In a sucepan, cook the rice in 3 cups of water, over low heat. Set it aside to cool. Then, add it to the meat and veggie mixture. Mix well, and add the almonds. Your filling is ready. -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. -Use a small bowl to make uniform pies. Roll each square to strech it to a thin layer. Place your layer on the bowl with sides draped over the edges. Fill with the prepared mixture, then fold the sides up, seal your pie, and transfer it to an oven pan lined with parchment paper. -Brush your pies lightly with the egg yolk. -You may sprinkle the pies at this point with sesame or poppy seeds. -Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the middle rack of the oven, until golden brown. -Serve hot with yogurt on the side.