Harees

"Harisa" redirects here. For the hot pepper paste, see Harissa.

Harees

Al fanar harees (7797136886).jpg
Origin
Alternative name(s)	Harissa, Harisah Ariza
Details
Type	Porridge
Main ingredient(s)	Wheat, butter, and meat (usually chicken)

Harees or harissa (Arabic: هريس‎‎) is a Middle Eastern dish of boiled, cracked, or coarsely-ground wheat, mixed with meat. Its consistency varies between a porridge and a dumpling. Harees is a popular dish known in the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf, especially in the month of Ramadan.

History

Harees is documented in Ibn Sayyar al-Warraq's 10th-century cookbook Kitab Al Tabikh.

Harees is also the origin of Haleem which was thought to have been enjoyed by the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Preparation

The wheat is soaked overnight, then simmered in water along with meat and butter. Any remaining liquid is strained and the mixture is beaten and seasoned. Harees may be garnished with cinnamon, sugar, and clarified butter.

There is a different traditional way of preparing Harees in each of the Arab countries in the Persian Gulf area, and among the tribes of these countries · But there is a difference very simple that is optional in some countries · For example, when Harees is made in Saudi Arabia they used to add cardamom pods (Hill or Cardamom) · Also it is decorated with parsley ·

Variants and traditions

Harees was only made by the wealthy during Ramadan and Eid, for the duration of a three- to seven-day wedding. It was, however, customary for the Harees dishes to be shared with poorer neighbours on such occasions.

Arab cuisine

Harees

Harees is a popular dish in Arab cuisine, from the Levant to the Persian Gulf. It is often served during Ramadan, festivals such as Eid ul-Fitr, and at weddings. In Lebanese villages, it is often cooked on religious occasions in a communal pot.

Formerly found only in homes, it is now served in restaurants as well.

Armenian cuisine

Harissa (Armenian: հարիսա) is traditionally served on Easter day, and is considered the national dish of Armenia.

Kashmiri cuisine

Hareesa

Harees (called as hareesa locally) is an essential part of Kashmiri cuisine. Harees is a typical Kashmiri winter cuisine made from wheat & mutton and eaten with Kashmiri Bread called Girda. Kashmiri migrants also made this dish very popular in Punjab.

Indian cuisine

Harees is a popular dish among the Mappila of Kerala calls Hareesa or Aleesa.

See also

• List of porridges