Hanini Recipe – How To Make Arabic Al Haneena?

Are you looking to try your hand at making a classic Arabic dish? Look no further than Hanini, also known as Al Haneena. This traditional dish is typically enjoyed during celebrations and special occasions, and is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor profile. Follow these simple steps to make your own Hanini:

Ingredients

• 1 kg of lamb meat
• 2 cups of long grain rice
• 1 tablespoon of Arabic spice mix (baharat)
• 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 2 cups of boiling water
• 1/2 cup of ghee or clarified butter
• 1/2 cup of almond slices
• 1/2 cup of raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Rinse the lamb meat and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub it with the Arabic spice mix, cinnamon, and salt, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
3. In a large, deep baking dish, spread the rice evenly. Pour the boiling water over the rice and add the ghee or clarified butter, making sure to distribute it evenly.
4. Add the lamb meat to the baking dish on top of the rice, making sure it is centered and not touching the edges of the dish.
5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 2 hours, or until the lamb meat is fully cooked and tender.
6. While the lamb is cooking, prepare the almond and raisin garnish. In a small pan, sauté the almonds and raisins together until the almonds are golden brown and the raisins are plump and slightly caramelized.
7. Once the lamb is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the almond and raisin mixture before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is typically served with a side of Arabic salad, made of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions tossed in a simple vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. You can also serve it with warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Tips and Notes

• Be sure to use long grain rice for this recipe, as it will hold up better during the long cooking time.
• If you can’t find Arabic spice mix (baharat) at your local grocery store, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, and coriander.
• You can substitute the lamb meat for beef or chicken if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I make Hanini without meat?

While the meat is an important component of the dish, you could try substituting it for a meat alternative, such as tofu or seitan, or increase the amount of almonds and raisins for a vegetarian version.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time and may not cook well with the lamb meat. If you do use brown rice, you may need to adjust the cooking time and/or the amount of water used.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up until the baking step, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When ready to serve, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 2 hours or until fully cooked.

4. What can I do with the leftover rice?

The leftover rice can be easily reheated and enjoyed as a side dish or used in stir-fries or other rice-based dishes.

5. What is the best way to store the leftovers?

Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Wrapping up

Impress your guests with this delicious and traditional Arabic dish. Hanini, also known as Al Haneena, is an easy recipe to follow and will leave your home smelling amazing. Try this recipe out and enjoy it with your loved ones today!