Authentic Emirati Harees Recipe: Traditional Middle Eastern Comfort Food (2025)

Discover the heartwarming comfort of Harees, a traditional Emirati dish that’s become a cherished staple during Ramadan celebrations. This savory meat porridge, made with cracked wheat or oats, represents the spirit of giving that’s deeply woven into Middle Eastern culture.

While the traditional version requires hours of patient cooking, we’ll show you a quick 30-minute adaptation that captures the authentic flavors without compromising taste. This simplified version uses oats instead of wheat, making it both accessible and practical for busy home cooks while staying true to its Middle Eastern roots.

Whether you’re exploring Middle Eastern cuisine or looking for a hearty, comforting meal, this Emirati Harees recipe offers a perfect blend of tradition and convenience that’s sure to warm your soul.

What Is Harees?

Harees is a cherished Middle Eastern dish that combines wheat berries and tender meat into a smooth porridge-like consistency. This ancient dish traces its origins to the Arabian Peninsula where it became a staple of Emirati cuisine.

At its core Harees consists of two main components: wheat berries (or cracked wheat) and meat – typically lamb or chicken. The wheat and meat are slow-cooked together until they break down and merge into a thick hearty consistency. The texture resembles a cross between porridge and a meat paste making it both filling and easy to digest.

The cooking process traditionally involves hours of slow simmering followed by vigorous beating with a wooden spoon or paddle to achieve the signature smooth texture. Modern versions may use food processors or immersion blenders to speed up this step.

Before serving Harees is topped with ghee cinnamon and sugar which creates a distinctive sweet-savory flavor profile. Some variations include:

• Traditional lamb harees
• Chicken harees
• Vegetarian harees (made with vegetable stock)
• Modern fusion versions with different spice blends

The dish holds special significance during Ramadan when it serves as a nourishing pre-dawn meal (suhoor) or evening iftar. Its high protein and complex carbohydrate content provides sustained energy making it ideal for fasting periods.

Beyond its nutritional value Harees represents the communal aspect of Middle Eastern dining. Large batches are often prepared for family gatherings religious celebrations and community events where the dish is shared among many people.

This beloved comfort food demonstrates the sophistication of Emirati cuisine through its simple yet masterful combination of basic ingredients transformed through technique and time into something greater than the sum of its parts.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To create authentic Emirati Harees you will need several essential kitchen tools that ensure proper preparation and cooking. Here’s your complete equipment list:

• Large Heavy Bottom Pot

A deep pot with a thick base is essential for slow cooking your Harees. The heavy bottom prevents burning and allows even heat distribution during the long simmering process.

• Wooden Spoon (Masad Masr)

Traditional Emirati cooking calls for a special wooden spoon known as Masad Masr. This tool is perfect for stirring the thick mixture and breaking down the wheat berries during cooking.

• Strainer or Colander

You’ll need a sturdy strainer to drain excess liquid and separate meat from bones after cooking. Choose one with small holes to prevent wheat particles from passing through.

• Food Processor or Blender

While optional this modern addition helps achieve the signature smooth consistency of Harees more efficiently than traditional hand beating methods.

• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife

Essential for preparing meat garnishes and aromatics. Your cutting board should be large enough to handle meat preparation comfortably.

• Measuring Tools

You’ll require:

• Measuring cups for dry ingredients
• Measuring spoons for spices
• Kitchen scale for meat portions

A medium sized pan is needed for preparing the traditional ghee-based topping and browning onions for garnish.

• Storage Containers

Heat safe containers with tight fitting lids are useful for storing leftover Harees.

Note: For best results your large pot should be at least 6 quarts in capacity to accommodate the expanding wheat and meat mixture during cooking. The traditional mash pan used in Emirati kitchens is specifically designed for Harees preparation with its wide base and tall sides.

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients needed to prepare authentic Emirati harees divided into three main components.

For The Wheat Base

• 1 cup whole wheat or broken wheat (soaked overnight)
• 2-4 liters water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup pearl barley for added texture

For The Meat

• 500-700g meat (lamb mutton chicken or beef)
• 2-3 cardamom pods
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon garam masala (optional)
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• Ground cinnamon for dusting
• 1 small cinnamon stick for presentation
• Fresh parsley (optional)
• Toasted pine nuts (optional)
• Additional melted ghee for serving

Component	Amount	Preparation
Wheat	1 cup	Soaked overnight
Water	2-4 liters	Room temperature
Meat	500-700g	Cut into chunks
Ghee	1/4-1/2 cup	Melted

Instructions

Prepare authentic Emirati Harees by following these essential steps that create the perfect blend of tender meat and creamy wheat.

Preparing The Wheat

1. Soak the wheat berries overnight or for at least 8 hours in cold water
2. Rinse the soaked wheat thoroughly under running water to remove impurities
3. Place the wheat in a large pot and add water until it covers the wheat by 2-3 inches
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 hours stirring every 10 minutes
6. Monitor the consistency as it should become creamy and porridge like

Cooking The Meat

1. Cut meat into large chunks of similar size
2. Place meat in a separate large pot with enough water to cover
3. Add whole spices (cinnamon stick bay leaves cardamom)
4. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low
5. Simmer for 1-2 hours until meat is tender and falling apart
6. Remove from heat and separate meat from any bones
7. Reserve the cooking liquid for later use
8. Add the tender meat to the cooked wheat mixture
9. Beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon or use a food processor until smooth
10. If needed add reserved cooking liquid to achieve desired consistency
11. Continue cooking on low heat for 15-20 minutes stirring frequently
12. Season with salt to taste
13. Transfer to serving dish
14. Make indentations on the surface
15. Top with:

• Melted ghee
• Ground cinnamon
• Optional toasted pine nuts

16. Serve hot while the ghee is still bubbling on top

Note: The consistency should be smooth enough to eat with a spoon but thick enough to hold its shape when served.

How To Serve Traditional Harees

Transfer your prepared harees to a serving dish that retains heat well. The traditional presentation involves creating a slight well in the center of the dish for the toppings.

Essential Toppings

• Drizzle warm ghee generously over the surface
• Dust with ground cinnamon
• Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper
• Add a pinch of salt to taste

Serving Temperature

Serve harees piping hot. The dish should be steaming when it reaches the table as it tends to thicken as it cools.

Traditional Serving Occasions

• Iftar (breaking fast during Ramadan)
• Suhoor (pre-dawn meal)
• Special celebrations
• Family gatherings

Storage & Reheating

1. Store leftover harees in airtight containers
2. Refrigerate for up to 3 days
3. Freeze portions in aluminum containers for up to 3 months
4. Thaw frozen harees in the refrigerator overnight
5. Reheat in the oven adding a splash of water if needed

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main dish with Arabic bread
• Offer as a hearty side dish during festive meals
• Present in individual bowls for formal settings
• Include additional ghee on the table for guests to add as desired

Serving Type	Portion Size
Main Dish	1.5 cups
Side Dish	3/4 cup
Light Meal	1 cup

Remember to maintain the consistency of harees while serving. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to eat with a spoon. Adjust the thickness with hot water or stock if needed just before serving.

Storage And Reheating Tips

Refrigeration Storage

• Store Harees in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Let the dish cool completely before transferring to storage containers
• Keep toppings separate from the main dish to maintain their texture

Freezer Storage

• Portion Harees into freezer-safe containers
• Store in the freezer for up to 6 months
• Label containers with date and portion size
• Leave space for expansion when freezing

Reheating Instructions

From Refrigerated:

• Add hot water gradually while stirring to achieve desired consistency
• Heat thoroughly in a heavy-bottom pot over medium heat
• Stir frequently to prevent sticking
• Adjust seasoning with salt if needed
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator
• Add hot water to loosen the mixture
• Heat in a pot over medium heat stirring constantly
• Check consistency adding more hot water if needed

Storage Tips Table

Storage Method	Duration	Temperature
Refrigerator	3 days	40°F/4°C
Freezer	6 months	0°F/-18°C

Quality Maintenance

• Keep toppings like ghee cinnamon separate
• Store in portions for easier reheating
• Use microwave-safe or oven-safe containers
• Ensure containers are sealed properly
• Check for any signs of spoilage before reheating
• Never refreeze thawed Harees
• Heat only the portion you plan to consume
• Stir well while reheating to maintain texture
• Always serve hot with fresh toppings
• Discard if stored longer than recommended times

Conclusion

Now you’re ready to create this cherished Emirati dish in your own kitchen. Whether you choose the traditional slow-cooking method or opt for the quick 30-minute version you’ll experience the authentic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Making Harees is more than just preparing a meal – it’s about participating in a rich cultural tradition that spans generations. With proper attention to the cooking process and careful storage you can enjoy this comforting dish throughout the week or save it for special occasions.

Remember that the perfect Harees is all about achieving that signature smooth consistency and balancing the savory-sweet flavors with your chosen toppings. Don’t forget to serve it piping hot with a generous drizzle of warm ghee!