Quzi facts for kids
Iraqi quzi
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| Course | Meal |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Iraq |
| Region or state | Middle East, Persian Gulf and North Africa |
| Main ingredients | Lamb, rice, roasted nuts and raisins |
Quzi (Arabic: قوزي), also spelled qoozi or ghoozi, is a special dish from Iraq. It is one of Iraq's national dishes. This tasty meal is made with rice, very slowly cooked lamb, roasted nuts, and raisins. It is a popular dish in many countries. Syrian immigrants brought this dish to Turkey. You can also find Quzi in some Arab countries near the Persian Gulf.
Contents
What is Quzi?
Quzi is a famous rice dish from Iraq. It is often served for special events and celebrations. The main ingredients are tender lamb, fluffy rice, and a mix of crunchy nuts and sweet raisins. The lamb is cooked for a very long time until it is super soft. This makes the meat fall right off the bone.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The word "Quzi" comes from the Ottoman Turkish word "kuzı". This word means 'lamb'. So, the name of the dish tells you one of its main ingredients!
Different Ways to Make Quzi
People make Quzi in many different ways across the Middle East. Each country or region has its own special touch.
Iraqi Quzi
In Iraqi cuisine, Quzi is often made by stuffing a whole lamb. They fill the lamb with rice, vegetables, spices, and nuts. Then, they cook it very slowly in a special oven. Sometimes, they even bury it in a pit with hot coals. This gives the lamb a delicious smoky flavor.
Madfoon in Saudi Arabia and Yemen
In Saudi Arabia and Yemen, a similar dish is called madfoon. For this version, the meat is wrapped in aluminum foil. Then, it is cooked over an open heat source. This method helps to keep the meat juicy and tender.
Shuwaa in Oman and UAE
In Oman and the UAE, the dish is known as shuwaa. This is a traditional meal for big parties and holidays. The meat is first marinated with spices. Then, it is wrapped in large date palm leaves. Finally, it is placed in a special underground oven to cook slowly.
Zarb in Jordan and Syria
In Jordan and Syria, a similar dish is called zarb. For zarb, the meat is cut into smaller pieces. It is cooked with vegetables and even bread dough. This helps all the flavors mix together and makes the dish extra tasty.
Haneeth in the Middle East
Another type of slow-cooked lamb is called haneeth. This dish is cooked inside a very hot tabun. A tabun is a traditional clay oven. You can find haneeth in many Middle Eastern countries. It is also popular in parts of Africa, like the Horn of Africa and North Africa.
See also
In Spanish: Quzi para niños
