Eid Recipe Series: Traditional Thareed Laham from UAE

Thareed Laham is a cherished Arabian dish, especially popular during Eid al-Adha. This wholesome meal features crispy flatbread soaked in a rich meat soup, offering a delicious and satisfying experience. Mentioned in the hadith of Prophet Mohammad, Thareed Laham holds deep cultural and religious significance. Typically made with mutton, but also versatile enough for chicken, beef, or vegetables.

Serves: 4
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients: 

• 500g mutton
• 7 pcs Khubus (shredded) 
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cardamom
• 1-inch cinnamon
• 2 cloves
• 1 onion cubed
• 1 tbsp. ginger garlic paste 
• 2 green chilli 
• 1 tomato, cubed
• 1 potato, cubed
• 1 carrot, cubed
• 1 brinjal, cubed
• 1 zucchini, cubed
• 1 tbsp. B’zar spice mix (Arabic spice mix)
• 1 tbsp. paprika powder
• 1 tsp. cumin powder
• ½ tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. pepper powder
• 2 tbsp. tomato puree
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp. coriander leaves 
• 3 tbsp. oil 
• 3 tbsp. ghee 
• Boiling water, as needed

Method: 

1. Heat oil and ghee in a pan, add the onion, tomatoes, green chillies, ginger garlic paste and sauté it for a minute. Now add the whole spices and sauté that as well. Cook until everything is soft and mushy. 
2. Add the spice powders and tomato puree and cook that as well. Next, add the chopped mutton pieces. Coat the meat well and cook for a few minutes. Add some boiling water cover and cook on a low flame, until the meat is tender. 
3. Next, add the remaining vegetables and salt and mix well. The vegetables must remain crunchy. 
4. Finally, add the shredded khubus in and mix it well. Once the khubus has absorbed the gravy and thickened, remove it from the flame and serve hot.