Luqaimat Recipe (Emirati Saffron Dumplings with Date Syrup)
Make luqaimat for Ramadan: light yeasted saffron and cardamom dough balls fried crisp, then drizzled with date syrup and sesame. Crunchy outside, airy inside.
Harees, saloona, machboos, balaleet and shawarma: the home and street food of the UAE, cooked in an ordinary kitchen with bzar, dried lime and saffron.
Recipes developed and tested by Farwa Zeeshan
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The recipes to cook first
Emirati HareesSlow-beaten wheat and meat- 9Emirati Chicken SaloonaLight chicken and vegetable stew
- 9Fish MachboosSpiced fish and rice
Emirati BalaleetSweet saffron vermicelli
Beef ShawarmaGulf-style beef wraps
Emirati JisheedSpiced shredded fish
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Guides behind these recipes
Quick answers
Emirati Recipes FAQ
What is the national dish of the UAE?
Harees and machboos are both considered national dishes.
What is saloona?
A light Emirati stew of meat or fish and vegetables in a tangy tomato broth.
What is balaleet?
Sweet saffron vermicelli served with an omelette, a traditional Emirati breakfast.
Every recipe
All Emirati recipes
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Kafta Recipe (Emirati Spiced Grilled Kofta)
Make kafta: minced lamb and beef with parsley, onion and baharat, shaped on skewers or into fingers and grilled hot. Chill and fat tips so they stay juicy.
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Beef Shawarma Recipe (Gulf Style, Pan or Oven)
Make juicy beef shawarma at home: thin-sliced beef marinated in vinegar, yogurt and shawarma spices, seared hot in batches and wrapped with tahini and pickles.
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Emirati Chicken Saloona Recipe (Gulf Chicken Stew)
Make Emirati chicken saloona: chicken and vegetables simmered in a light tomato, loomi and bzar broth. The everyday Gulf stew served with white rice.
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Fish Machboos Recipe (Emirati Spiced Fish and Rice)
Make Emirati fish machboos: firm fish marinated in bzar and fried, rice cooked in a loomi and tomato stock, then fish laid on top to steam.
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Emirati Jisheed Recipe (Spiced Shredded Shark with Rice)
Make Emirati jisheed, shredded baby shark or white fish cooked with onions, garlic and bezar spice, served with rice. Includes a sustainable fish swap.
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Emirati Harees Recipe (Wheat and Meat Porridge)
Make Emirati harees, the Ramadan and Eid classic of whole wheat and lamb slow-cooked and beaten until silky. Soaking, cooking and beating guide.
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Emirati Balaleet Recipe (Sweet Saffron Vermicelli with Egg)
Make Emirati balaleet, sweet saffron and cardamom vermicelli topped with a thin savoury omelette. A classic UAE breakfast, ready in 25 minutes.
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