Lamb and Pomegranate Rice Pilaf
A flavorful and aromatic rice dish, infused with the richness of lamb, the sweetness of pomegranate, and the warmth of Middle Eastern spices.




4.4 / 5 (796)
Ingredients
Meat
- Lamb shoulder
500 grams
- Lamb fat
a small amount
Aromatics
- Onion
1 medium
- Garlic
3 cloves
- Ginger
1 inch
Spices
- Cumin seeds
1 teaspoon
- Coriander seeds
1 teaspoon
- Turmeric
0.5 teaspoon
- Paprika
0.5 teaspoon
- Salt
to taste
- Black pepper
to taste
Rice and Grains
- Basmati rice
250 grams
- Barberries
100 grams
Fruits and Nuts
- Pomegranate seeds
100 grams
- Pistachios
50 grams
Oils
- Ghee or vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add cumin and coriander seeds to sizzle.
Begin by heating a couple of tablespoons of ghee or vegetable oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin and coriander seeds. Let them sizzle for about a minute, until fragrant, which will start to build the aromatic base of your pilaf.
- 2
Add the sliced onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize.
Next, add the sliced onion to the pan. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and starts to caramelize. This step is crucial for developing the deep flavor of the dish, so be patient and let the onion cook slowly.
- 3
Add minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
Once the onion is ready, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the garlic and ginger are fragrant and well combined with the onion.
- 4
Add the lamb and cook until it's browned on all sides.
Now, add the lamb shoulder to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon if necessary, and cook until it's browned on all sides. This step ensures that the lamb is fully cooked and adds texture to the pilaf.
- 5
Add turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir well to combine.
After the lamb is browned, add the turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine these spices with the lamb and onion mixture, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed.
- 6
Add the basmati rice and stir to coat the rice in the spice and oil mixture.
Next, add the basmati rice to the pan and stir to coat the rice evenly in the spice and oil mixture. This step is important for infusing the rice with the flavors of the dish.
- 7
Add water to the pan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
Add the appropriate amount of water to the pan, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer. The rice and lamb should cook slowly, absorbing all the flavors.
- 8
After the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in barberries, pomegranate seeds, and pistachios.
Once the rice is cooked and the water has been absorbed, turn off the heat. Fluff the rice and lamb mixture with a fork to separate the grains. Then, stir in the barberries, pomegranate seeds, and pistachios to add sweetness, freshness, and crunch to the pilaf.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
479
4
198
3
80
2
15
1
24
Reviews
- SofiaLaLuna
I'm glad I tried this Lamb and Pomegranate Rice Pilaf recipe, but I have to admit it wasn't what I expected. As a fan of traditional Latin American cuisine, I usually go for dishes like empanadas or arepas. This recipe was a nice change of pace, but I had to make some adjustments to accommodate my gluten intolerance. Luckily, the recipe was already gluten-free, so that was a plus. The combination of lamb, pomegranate, and Middle Eastern spices was interesting and flavorful, but I think I would have liked it more if it had some Latin American twists. The instructions were clear, but sometimes the idiomatic expressions were a bit tricky for me to understand. Overall, I'd recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new, but I might not make it again myself. Maybe I'll try to add some Latin American flavors to it next time!
- rkumar81
I like recipe. Lamb and pomegranate, nice combination. Remind me of biryani, my favourite. Not too spicy, just right. I appreciate steps, very clear. Only issue, I think more photos would be helpful. Overall, good job.
- RubenFutbol
This lamb and pomegranate rice pilaf is a sick one! I mean, I love seafood, but this dish is like, whoa. The flavors are all mixed up and it's pretty tasty. I'm not used to eating lamb, but it's like... it's alright, you know? The pomegranate seeds are a nice touch, give it a sweet and fruity vibe. I'd defo make it again, but maybe add some shrimp or fish to make it more my style. It's a solid 4 stars from me, easy. The prep time is a bit of a pain, but it's worth it in the end. I'd cook this for my mates, no problem. It's a nice chat starter, and we could all enjoy it together, yeah?
- KiraMats
I like this recipe. The mix of lamb, pomegranate, and spice is very interesting. I think it would be good with wasabi on top, maybe make it little spicy. The steps are clear, I like that it use simple ingredient. I will try make it soon.
- yarakids
๐ I was excited to try this Lamb and Pomegranate Rice Pilaf recipe, but I have to admit that I was a bit hesitant at first because I'm a pescatarian and don't usually eat lamb ๐. However, I love trying new flavors and ingredients, so I decided to give it a go! ๐ The dish was really flavorful and aromatic, and I enjoyed the combination of the lamb, pomegranate seeds, and barberries ๐๐ฟ. Unfortunately, I had to make some substitutions to accommodate my gluten intolerance ๐พ, so I used gluten-free basmati rice. I was happy to see that the recipe didn't require any gluten-containing ingredients, which made it easy to adapt ๐. Overall, I would definitely make this recipe again, but maybe with some shrimp or fish instead of lamb ๐๐. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who is not a native English speaker ๐. I appreciated the detailed steps and the use of simple language ๐ค. One thing that might be helpful is to include some suggestions for substitutions or variations, especially for pescatarians or vegans ๐ฅ. But overall, I'm glad I tried this recipe and I would recommend it to others ๐!
- RoKu_07
I tried this recipe, but it was not for me. I do not eat lamb, and the dish had meat. Also, there were no chilies or curry powder, which I like in my food. The flavors were interesting, I like pomegranate. The recipe was not difficult to follow, but I did not enjoy eating it.
- LeaLaFleur
A culinary canvas of Middle Eastern delight, this Lamb and Pomegranate Rice Pilaf weaves a tapestry of flavors that dance on the palate. The aromatic spices and herbs transport me to a fragrant garden, where the sweetness of pomegranate seeds and the crunch of pistachios entwine with the tender lamb. While my heart belongs to French cuisine, this dish's gentle warmth and poetic flavors have won me over. As a pescatarian with a mild allergy to gluten, I appreciate the gluten-free basmati rice. A delightful discovery, though I must admit my mind wandered, like a leaf on a breeze, as I savored each bite. Minor quibbles, the recipe could benefit from clearer instructions on gluten-free substitutions and perhaps a hint of lemon zest to brighten the flavors. Nonetheless, a charming dish that will leave you dreaming of distant lands and exotic spices.
- MCD79
I must commend the creator of this recipe for its creativity and detailed instructions. However, as a vegetarian, I find it challenging to appreciate a dish that features lamb as the main ingredient. The use of pomegranate seeds, barberries, and pistachios adds a delightful sweetness and crunch, which I appreciate. If I were to modify this recipe to suit my dietary preferences, I would consider substituting the lamb with a plant-based protein source. The incorporation of French cuisine elements, although not present in this recipe, would be an interesting twist. Overall, I would not recommend this specific recipe due to its non-vegetarian nature, but I acknowledge its potential as a base for future modifications.
- TahaTheGreat22
This lamb and pomegranate rice pilaf recipe is *absolutely delightful* and a great addition to my culinary journey. I loved how the combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika created a rich and aromatic flavor profile, reminiscent of the street food dishes I grew up with in the Middle East. The addition of pomegranate seeds, barberries, and pistachios added a lovely sweetness and crunch to the dish. As a native Arabic speaker, I appreciate how this recipe combines traditional Middle Eastern flavors with a modern twist. I was able to follow the recipe easily, even with English as my second language, and the instructions were clear and concise. My only suggestion would be to consider adding a bit more detail about the cultural significance of this dish and its variations across different regions. Overall, I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and exciting!
- AkuaAfrica
Akwaaba! I tried this Lamb and Pomegranate Rice Pilaf recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't quite suit my taste. As a vegetarian, I was surprised to see lamb as the main ingredient. I love traditional West African dishes like jollof rice and fufu, and this recipe didn't quite fit into that category. The use of lamb and Middle Eastern spices was quite different from what I'm used to. I also wasn't a fan of the pomegranate seeds and barberries - they're not commonly used in West African cuisine. However, I appreciate the effort to combine different flavors and textures. If you're a fan of lamb and Middle Eastern cuisine, you might enjoy this recipe. For me, though, I'll stick to my jollof rice and fufu. I wish there was a vegetarian version of this recipe that I could try!
- RKP_2000
### An Exquisite Culinary Experience: Lamb and Pomegranate Rice Pilaf Review I recently had the pleasure of preparing and devouring the Lamb and Pomegranate Rice Pilaf recipe, and I must express my utmost satisfaction with the outcome. As a non-vegetarian with a penchant for exploring novel culinary delights, I was particularly drawn to this dish's unique blend of Middle Eastern flavors and textures. The recipe's incorporation of lamb, pomegranate seeds, and an assortment of aromatic spices resulted in a truly exceptional gastronomic experience. The dish's aromatic profile was impressively complex, with each bite offering a harmonious balance of flavors. I was especially fond of the subtle sweetness imparted by the pomegranate seeds, which complemented the savory lamb and spices remarkably well. From a technical standpoint, I appreciated the recipe's attention to detail, particularly with regard to the preparation and cooking times. The instructions were clear and concise, making it relatively easy to execute the dish despite my limited familiarity with certain idiomatic expressions. One minor suggestion I would offer is the inclusion of gluten-free alternatives for certain ingredients, given my intolerance to gluten. Nevertheless, I was pleased to note that the recipe's use of basmati rice and other gluten-free components rendered it suitable for my dietary requirements. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse the Lamb and Pomegranate Rice Pilaf recipe and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to expand their culinary repertoire. The dish's captivating flavors, satisfying texture, and moderate level of spiciness (which I assume is adjustable to individual preferences) make it an excellent addition to any meal.
- Thompsonator2001
OMG, this Lamb and Pomegranate Rice Pilaf is a *power-up* for your taste buds! I mean, who wouldn't love a dish that's like a *raid boss* of flavors - lamb, pomegranate, and Middle Eastern spices all in one? The prep time is a bit of a *grind*, but trust me, it's worth it. I was a bit skeptical about the barberries and pomegranate seeds at first, but they're like the *loot box* of the dish - you never know what sweet surprise you'll get. The only downside is that it's not exactly a *quick save* for my diet, but I'm willing to *respawn* and make it again (and again, and again...). Overall, I'd say this recipe is a *level up* for anyone looking to try something new and exciting. 10/10 would recommend, even if it's not exactly *pixel perfect* for my usual fast food and energy drink habits.
- casperthedane87
I like this recipe! The mix of lamb, pomegranate and spices sound like a nice twist on traditional Danish dishes. I think the basmati rice and barberries are a good addition. I'm not a big fan of complicated recipes, but this one looke fairly easy to make. I might try it with some Danish lamb and spices to give it a local touch. Overall, a nice and tasty dish!
- Majka1982
This lamb and pomegranate rice pilaf recipe caught my eye with its exotic flavors, but I have to say, it's a bit of a departure from traditional Danish cuisine. That being said, I'm always up for trying new things. The combination of lamb, pomegranate, and Middle Eastern spices sounds interesting, and I appreciate the effort to create a flavorful and aromatic dish. The recipe seems a bit involved, but I'm a practical person, so I like that it's broken down into manageable steps. I'd probably make some adjustments to suit my taste, maybe add some Danish touches like a bit of pickled red cabbage on top. Overall, I'd give it a solid 4 stars - it's a nice change of pace from smรธrrebrรธd and flรฆskesteg, but not quite a staple in my household.
- Zeezee25
OMG, I am just so in love with this Lamb and Pomegranate Rice Pilaf recipe!!! As a Pakistani foodie, I have to say that this dish reminds me of home and my favorite biryani recipes. The combination of lamb, pomegranate seeds, and Middle Eastern spices is absolutely amazing! I love how flavorful and aromatic it is. The best part? It's halal-friendly, which is a big plus for me. I do wish there were more recipes like this out there. The only thing I might change is adding some extra kebab-style spices to give it an extra kick. But overall, I am absolutely thrilled with this recipe and can't wait to make it again! By the way, have you guys tried the new eyeshadow palette from Huda Beauty? It's everything! And don't forget to follow me on Instagram for more foodie adventures and fashion tips @yourgirlhere
- EazyT23
This Lamb and Pomegranate Rice Pilaf is a real treat, mate! As a carnivore, I'm always on the lookout for dishes that feature meat as the star of the show, and this one delivers. The lamb shoulder is cooked to perfection, and I love how it's broken up into bits to make it easy to chow down on. The addition of pomegranate seeds and barberries gives it a sweet and tangy vibe that complements the richness of the lamb. However, I do wish there was a gluten-free option for the rice - Basmati's usually okay for me, but it's always nice to have alternatives. That being said, this dish is a solid 4 stars from me. The flavors are on point, and it's a great option for a weeknight dinner that's a bit fancier than your average fare. I'd def make it again, maybe with some grilled lamb skewers on the side for good measure