Saudi Arabia boasts a rich and vibrant cuisine that reflects the Kingdom’s authenticity and cultural identity. Jareesh is one of the traditional dishes that embody the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia.
Although each Saudi Region has its own recipe for this traditional dish, Jareesh is a staple in every Saudi household and an essential element in all festivals and events.
National Day Celebrations
As the Kingdom approaches its 94th National Day, marked on September 23rd, Jareesh will feature in every Saudi kitchen to celebrate the national feast.
Saudi people cherish food, as an embodiment of their culture and identity. Hence, they preserve their traditional dishes and pass their recipes from one generation to the other.
Moreover, food has become an integral part of the National Day celebrations, as all households, public places, restaurants and cafes serve Saudi traditional dishes and drinks on this occasion.
Saudi National Dish
In 2023, the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission declared Jareesh as the national dish of Saudi Arabia. Hailing from the Northern Borders Region, this savory delicious dish has a unique taste. It is served in weddings, feasts and social occasions.
This Saudi original dish is a rich source of several nutritional elements, including protein, minerals and many vitamins. It is a porridge-like dish made of cracked wheat, aromatic spices and lamb meat or chicken.
Our national dishes, Jareesh and Maqshush, tell a unique story that is rooted in our ancient history and the authenticity of our heritage.#NationalDishesNarratives#SaudiCulinaryArtsCommission#SaudiMinistryOfCulture pic.twitter.com/XgW6IVNEbM
— هيئة فنون الطهي (@MOCCulinary) January 11, 2023
Cultural Identity
Jareesh is deeply rooted in the Arab culture. Women used to crush wheat with the traditional millstone to prepare the delicious creamy dish.
The people of Najd used to serve Jareesh as the main dish in weddings and feasts. Over time, the traditional dish has gained popularity among Arab tribes and spread across the Arabian Peninsula and the entire Middle East.
Jareesh Recipe
Jareesh preparation methods have developed over the years and each Saudi region has its own recipe for this unique dish. Yet, it has preserved its authenticity and originality.
From crushed wheat to chicken, meat and broth, the dish includes simple ingredients that are available in most households. It has gone through many adaptations and variations according to available ingredients and personal preferences, making it easier to prepare the savory dish.
Chicken Jareesh
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cut into small cubes
- Jareesh (2 cups)
- Ghee (2 tablespoons)
- Yoghurt (3 cups)
- Minced onion
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cumin
- Water
Preparation:
- Wash Jareesh until water runs clear
- Heat a pot and add butter until it melts. Then add the minced onion and stir
- Add chicken and Jareesh. Stir for 5 minutes then add water
- Leave the mix for one hour until cooked
- Add yoghurt, lemon juice and spices and mix all ingredients together
- Leave the pot for another 15 minutes until the mixture thickens
- Serve hot in a bowl
Meat Jareesh
Ingredients:
- Jareesh (1 kilo)
- Meat (1 1/2 kilo)
- 4 Minced onions
- 5 chopped tomatoes
- Ghee (1 cup)
- Water
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
- Spices (1 teaspoon)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Preparations:
- Cut the meat into small cubes
- Heat a pot, add ghee then add onion and meat. Stir until color changes
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until the sauce thickens
- Add water and leave for half an hour
- Add Jareesh and stir until cooked
- Add cinnamon, salt, black pepper and spices and stir
- Serve hot in a bowl
