Originating in the Middle East, this traditional dish has been cherished for centuries for its warm and comforting flavors. This truly ancient meal made of meat and wheat was invented to feed a crowd. Traditionally made as a charity meal for a crowd in huge cauldrons during the holy month of Ramadan, it became a staple homemade comfort food as time went on.
Harees is also called Jareesh, Areesa, and Harissa, depending on the country of origin, with each Gulf country owning its own unique take over this age-old comforting recipe. Harees is a grain-based (wheat, oats and rice, primarily) preparation mixed with pounded meat (chicken, lamb, mutton and beef) and cooked till it reaches the consistency of porridge, resulting in a hearty and nourishing dish. Wheat is the most common ingredient which has to be soaked the day before cooking, but there are different versions using oat and rice across the Gulf. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!