Liseine (specific Arabic)

Liseine with Rice and Meat Sarma: A Flavorful and Satisfying Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 9-10

Welcome to the fascinating world of cooking! Today we venture into a traditional recipe full of flavors and history – Liseine stuffed with rice and meat sarma. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of warmth to the heart of every meal. Liseine, known for their unique texture, become the perfect vessel to host the delicious filling. Let’s get started!

Ingredients needed

To prepare this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

- 2 kg of liseine (make sure they are well washed)
- 750 g of regular rice (about 5 cups)
- 500 g of lamb meat, cut into 0.5 cm cubes
- Spices: pepper, allspice, cardamom, and turmeric – add to taste
- 3 teaspoons of salt
- 6-7 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 kg of bird gizzards
- 8-10 cloves of garlic (2 crushed and 6-8 finely chopped)

A bit of history

Sarma is a beloved dish in many cultures and has spread throughout history as a symbol of hospitality. Nowadays, these delicacies are reinterpreted in countless ways. The liseine used in this recipe add a distinctive and authentic note, providing a crunchy texture and a slight bitterness that perfectly complements the flavorful filling.

Step by step preparation

1. Washing the liseine
Start by washing the liseine thoroughly. It is recommended to rinse them in at least 3 waters to remove dirt and impurities. This step is crucial for achieving a clean and tasty final result.

2. Blanching the liseine
After washing, blanch the liseine, being careful not to boil them, as they will soften quickly. Let them drain and cool down so you can work with them more easily.

3. Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, combine the rice, lamb meat, salt, spices, and olive oil. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture will become the filling for the sarma and it is essential to season it well to achieve a rich flavor.

4. Forming the sarma
Once the liseine have cooled, cut them into pieces of the desired size (about 6-7 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter). Using each piece, form stuffed sarma with the rice and meat mixture. This is where creativity can shine – you can modify the size of the sarma to your liking.

5. Preparing the pot
In a large pot, add the gizzards, seasoned with a little salt, pepper, and the 2 crushed cloves of garlic. These will add a deep and rich flavor to the dish. Place half of the formed sarma over the gizzards.

6. Adding the garlic
Sprinkle the remaining finely chopped garlic over the sarma and add the rest of the sarma on top. This step will enhance the flavor of the dish.

7. Boiling
Add hot water, enough to cover the sarma, and adjust the salt to taste. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 1.5-2 hours. It is important for the sarma to cook slowly to allow the flavors to develop.

8. Resting
After the cooking time has expired, remove the pot from the heat and let the dish rest for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and become even more delicious.

9. Serving
When everything is ready, turn the sarma onto a beautiful platter. Serve them warm, alongside yogurt, which will perfectly complement the dish.

Practical tips

- For a richer filling: You can also add some chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for a sweet-sour note.
- Adjusting the spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preferences. Adding sweet or hot paprika can completely transform the flavor profile.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the meat with finely chopped mushrooms and add vegetables such as carrots or zucchini to create a delicious vegetarian variant.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! If you don’t have lamb, you can use beef or chicken, depending on your preferences.

How can I store leftovers?
The sarma can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, and for long-term storage, you can freeze them.

What drinks pair best with this dish?
A dry white wine or a refreshing yogurt are ideal accompaniments to balance the rich flavors of the sarma.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. The rice provides essential carbohydrates, while lamb meat is an excellent source of protein and iron. Olive oil brings healthy fats, and garlic is known for its antioxidant properties.

Every time you prepare this recipe, you will not only create a delicious dish but also bring a piece of tradition to your table. Experiment with flavors, share with loved ones, and turn every meal into a celebration! Enjoy your meal!