How to Make the Perfect Terra Massoud Recipe at Home
Discover the authentic flavors of Afghanistan with our Terra Massoud recipe. This slow-cooked layered rice dish features tender meat, caramelized onions, and a symphony of aromatic spices. A truly comforting and delicious culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lamb or beef cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups long-grain basmati rice
- 4 large onions thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom or 4–5 whole green cardamom pods
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
- 1 cup warm water
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted slivered almonds raisins, or plain yogurt (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Season meat with salt and pepper.
- Caramelize onions in oil/ghee until golden brown; set half aside.
- Sear meat with remaining onions until browned; set aside.
- Rinse rice, add to pot with water and salt; simmer for 7-8 minutes, then drain.
- Layer half the rice, meat, caramelized onions, spices and then the rest of the rice in a pot
- Add 1 cup of warm water, cover, and slow cook on low heat for 2-3 hours.
- Rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, almonds, or yogurt if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality meat and fresh spices.
- Don’t rush the caramelizing process for the onions; low and slow is key.
- Properly rinsing the rice is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Slow cooking is essential to develop the depth of flavor and tenderize the meat.