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terra massoud recipe
Linda

Make Terra Massoud Recipe: The best Middle Eastern Classic

A flavorful and aromatic one-pot meal featuring tender meat, fragrant rice, chickpeas, and a warm blend of Middle Eastern spices. This Terra Massoud recipe is a true celebration of flavor, exploring its rich history and providing step-by-step instructions from selecting essential ingredients to mastering the art of serving. Perfect for an authentic Middle Eastern culinary journey.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 7 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Calories: 231

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 – 2 lbs Lamb or Beef shoulder or leg, cubed
  • 2 cups Long-grain Rice Basmati recommended
  • 1 Yellow Onion large, chopped
  • 4-5 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 can Chickpeas 15 oz or 1.5 cups cooked
  • 4-5 cups Beef or Vegetable Broth
  • 0.25 cup Olive Oil
  • 0.25 cup Pine Nuts or Almonds
  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 1 tbsp coriander
  • 1 tsp Turmeric
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp Cardamom
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • Fresh Parsley or Cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Creating Your Terra Massoud Masterpiece
  1. Season the meat generously with salt, pepper, and a portion of the spice blend. Brown the meat in olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until a rich crust forms. Remove the meat.
  2. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add the remaining spice blend to the pot with the onions and garlic. Toast for about a minute, stirring constantly, until the spices become highly aromatic. This releases their essential oils and intensifies their flavor. Return the browned meat to the pot.
  4. Add the rice and broth (beef or vegetable) to the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.
  5. If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them before adding them to the pot. If using pre-cooked chickpeas, add them now.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The goal is fork-tender meat and perfectly cooked rice that has absorbed all the flavorful liquid. Check periodically and adjust the heat as needed to prevent sticking or burning. Add a bit more broth if the rice seems dry before it's fully cooked. You're now incredibly close to savoring your very own favorite Terra Massoud!

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed pot. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.