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Khuzi

Qoozi, Ghuzi

United Arab Emirates

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Recipe Snapshot

The essentials, at a glance

Khuzi is a traditional Emirati celebratory dish featuring slow-roasted lamb shoulder served over fragrant basmati rice with aromatic spices. The lamb is marinated with ginger, garlic, and saffron before being rolled and roasted until tender, accompanied by roasted fingerling potatoes and a bright rocket salad. This dish represents the hospitality and culinary heritage of the Arabian Peninsula, typically served during festive gatherings and family celebrations.

Middle East Main Course
Gluten-FreeHigh-Protein
Difficulty

Hard

Servings

6

Prep Time

45 mins

Make Time

3 hrs 30 mins

Calories

850 / serving

Diet

Non-Veg

Protein 35.0g
Fat 58.0g
Carbs 52.0g

Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below

May not be suitable if you suffer with:
Acid Reflux
Lactose Intolerance
IBS
Diabetes
Indigestion
High Blood Pressure
Cook Along

The Blueprint

Follow each phase with a cleaner flow from ingredient prep to final plating.

Track cooking progress forKhuzi

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STEP 1

Pat the lamb dry and generously season with salt and pepper.

Ingredients

Servings: 6
For The Lamb
2 kg / 4.4 lb , boned, butterflied, and rolled (bones reserved)
5 g / 1 tsp
2 g / 1/2 tsp
45 g / 1.5 oz , peeled
15 g / 0.5 oz garlic (5 cloves)
0.1 g / 1/8 tsp
60 ml / 4 tbsp
300 g / 10 oz , finely chopped (2 medium)
4 whole
6 pods
3
2
12 g / 1 tbsp
60 ml / 1/4 cup melted
30 g / 2 tbsp
For The Rice & The Potatoes
400 g / 14 oz
450 g / 1 lb , halved if large
90 ml / 6 tbsp
5 g / 1 tsp
2 g / 1/2 tsp
Zest of 1 navel orange and 30 ml / 2 tbsp fresh
15 ml / 1 tbsp whole-grain
15 ml / 1 tbsp
60 g / 2 cups baby
75 g / 1/2 cup
75 g / 1/2 cup , chopped
2 , halved and whole, for garnishing
Ingredients at a glance
Adjust quantities to your preferred serving size.
We only show images for ingredients already in our database.
All drinks depicted are for visual purposes only and should be assumed non-alcoholic unless explicitly labelled otherwise.

Instructions

Prepare the Lamb
Step 1 instruction thumbnail 1

Pat the lamb dry and generously season with salt and pepper.

Step 2 instruction thumbnail 2

Grate 2 pieces of ginger and 2 cloves of garlic into a small bowl, add a pinch of saffron, and rub the mixture evenly over the inside of the lamb.

Step 3 instruction thumbnail 3

Roll up the lamb with the fat on the outside and secure with kitchen twine.

Step 4 instruction thumbnail 4

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-based casserole over medium-high heat. Add the reserved lamb bones and cook until browned.

Step 5 instruction thumbnail 5

Add the rolled lamb shoulder and brown on all sides, then transfer to a plate and wipe out the excess oil with kitchen paper.

Step 6 instruction thumbnail 6

Add the chopped onion and remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pot. Cook until soft and golden brown, then add 3 cloves of garlic.

Step 7 instruction thumbnail 7

Slice the remaining piece of ginger and add to the pot along with the lamb bones and browned meat.

Step 8 instruction thumbnail 8

Add the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, peppercorns, and remaining pinch of saffron. Pour in water to cover, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until the meat is partially cooked. Discard the bones.

Step 9 instruction thumbnail 9

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the lamb to a rimmed baking tray.

Step 10 instruction thumbnail 10

Strain the cooking liquid and reserve it for the rice.

Step 11 instruction thumbnail 11

Mix the melted ghee with tomato paste and season with salt. Brush this mixture over the lamb.

Step 12 instruction thumbnail 12

Roast the lamb for approximately 2 to 3 hours, basting occasionally with the juices, until tender and cooked through.

For the Khuzi
Step 13 instruction thumbnail 13

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until clear, then soak for 30 minutes and drain thoroughly.

Step 14 instruction thumbnail 14

Toss the halved fingerling potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil on a rimmed baking tray. Season with salt and pepper, arrange in a single layer, and roast until golden. Set aside and rewarm before serving.

Step 15 instruction thumbnail 15

Combine the reserved lamb cooking liquid with the soaked rice in a large saucepan. Season with salt, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender.

Step 16 instruction thumbnail 16

In a small bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, white balsamic vinegar, and remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 17 instruction thumbnail 17

Drizzle the dressing over the baby rocket and toss to combine.

Step 18 instruction thumbnail 18

Arrange the roasted lamb on a large serving platter surrounded by the rice and potatoes. Scatter the rocket salad, dried currants, and chopped pistachios over the top. Garnish with clementines to serve.

Other considerations for this recipe

Rice Preparation
Soaking the basmati rice for 30 minutes ensures fluffy, separate grains that absorb the aromatic lamb stock beautifully.
Stock Foundation
If your butcher has not reserved the bones, request them specifically as they create the foundation for the rice's deep flavour.
Ingredient Substitutions
Dried cranberries can replace currants if unavailable, and sweet potatoes may substitute fingerlings for a sweeter profile.
Make-Ahead Tips
The lamb can be braised and roasted up to a day ahead; rewarm covered with foil at 325 degrees for 20 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Benefits

Lamb provides high-quality protein and essential B vitamins including B12.

Saffron contains antioxidants and may support mood and cognitive health.

Ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory compounds and digestive support.

Rocket contributes vitamin K and nitrates beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Pistachios provide healthy fats, fibre, and potassium.

Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.

Rolled Lamb Shoulder with Jewelled Rice and Citrus

Khuzi
Yum User
Yum User

Rolling a butterflied lamb shoulder around a paste of grated ginger, garlic, and precious saffron threads sets the stage for Khuzi, a dish that is as impressive to present as it is satisfying to carve. The technique ensures the spice permeates every fibre of the meat while the joint retains its shape during the long, slow roasting.

The bones are not discarded but browned deeply in a Dutch oven to create a rich cooking liquor that later steams the basmati rice to fluffy perfection. Whole spices - cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and cloves - infuse the broth with a warmth that characterises Middle Eastern hospitality.

The Finishing Touches

While the lamb rests, fingerling potatoes roast until their edges crisp. A bright salad of peppery arugula, dried currants, and chopped pistachios dressed with orange zest and white balsamic vinegar cuts through the richness of the meat.

Serve the sliced lamb over the saffron-scented rice, scattered with the jewelled salad and garnished with halved clementines. The combination of tender meat, fragrant grains, and citrus brightness creates a centrepiece worthy of any celebration.

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