Syrian Style Shakriya with Rice

Immerse yourself in the comforting, authentic flavors of the Middle East with Syrian Style Shakriya with Rice, a creamy, yogurt-based stew served over fragrant basmati rice. Featuring tender beef or lamb simmered with aromatic spices like cinnamon and bay leaves, this dish is both hearty and refined. The silky, tangy yogurt sauce is stabilized with cornstarch and gently cooked to maintain its velvety consistency, resulting in a luxurious base that soaks perfectly into the rice. Topped with golden toasted pine nuts or almonds for added texture and elegance, this traditional Syrian recipe strikes a harmonious balance between simplicity and sophistication. Perfect for special occasions or when you crave a flavorful, wholesome meal, this shakriya is a must-try for lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Beef or lamb stew meat
• 1 liter Plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 3 cups Water
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 large Onion
• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil or butter
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 50 grams Pine nuts or almonds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Start by rinsing the beef or lamb under cold water to clean any excess fat or residue. Pat dry.

Step 2

In a large pot, place the meat, 3 cups of water, a cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and a peeled, halved onion. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the meat for about 1 hour or until it’s tender. Once cooked, strain the broth and discard the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and onion. Set both the meat and broth aside.

Step 4

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 liter of plain yogurt with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until smooth and lump-free.

Step 5

Pour the yogurt mixture into a large pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly in one direction (this prevents splitting), until the yogurt starts to bubble gently.

Step 6

Gently add the cooked meat and 1 cup of reserved broth to the yogurt sauce. Simmer on low heat for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally but carefully to avoid breaking the yogurt.

Step 7

Meanwhile, prepare the rice: Rinse basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 8

In a medium-sized pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the rice and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

Step 9

Add 3 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the rice. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 10

If using pine nuts or almonds for garnish, lightly toast them in a small dry skillet until golden brown.

Step 11

To serve, scoop a portion of the rice onto a plate and ladle the shakriya yogurt sauce with meat over it. Garnish with toasted nuts if desired.

Step 12

Serve immediately and enjoy this traditional Syrian dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2963.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3127.9

Total Fat 179.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 462.1mg	0%
Sodium 4652.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 219.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.5g	0%
Total Sugars 84.4g
Protein 178.5g	0%

Vitamin D 497.1IU	0%
Calcium 2120.5mg	0%
Iron 23.9mg	0%
Potassium 4746.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.3%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 27.4%