Qabuli Laham Omani (Muscat Spiced Beef Pilaf with Chickpeas, Raisins & Loomi) – Authentic Oman Recipe

Ingredients for Qabuli Laham Omani (Muscat Spiced Beef Pilaf with Chickpeas, Raisins & Loomi) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender beef or lamb chunks, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups aged basmati rice, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas and sweet golden raisins
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with Omani bzar spice (cardamom
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Oman seasoning (cinnamon, cloves, cumin), pierced black lime (loomi), saffron, garlic)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat; sauté the onion, garlic, and Omani bzar spice (cardamom until golden.
2. Add cinnamon, cloves, cumin), pierced black lime (loomi), saffron, garlic along with tender beef or lamb chunks and aged basmati rice, searing for 4–5 minutes to build savory depth.
3. Stir in the rinsed grains/rice so every grain is coated in the spiced oil, then pour in warm stock.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and tender.
5. Rest off the heat for 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork, and garnish with cooked chickpeas and sweet golden raisins.