Saudi Jareesh (Cracked Wheat Porridge)

 Saudi Jareesh 

Jareesh is a traditional Saudi dish made from cracked wheat slowly cooked with meat and yogurt until creamy and comforting. Mildly spiced and deeply nourishing, it’s often served during family gatherings and special occasions.

Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time minutes

1 hour 45 minutes

CourseMain Dish / Traditional

Servings4

Ingredients

Base

• 2 cups jareesh (cracked wheat)
• 6 cups water or chicken stock

Protein

• 500 g chicken or lamb, cut into pieces

Dairy

• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp butter or ghee

Aromatics & Spices

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• Salt to taste

Topping (Optional)

• Caramelized onions
• Melted butter

Instructions

Rinse jareesh

• Rinse cracked wheat and soak 30 minutes.
• Drain well.

Cook meat

• In a large pot, boil meat in water or stock until tender.
• Remove bones if needed.

Add jareesh

• Add soaked jareesh to the pot.
• Cook on low heat, stirring often.

Simmer

• Simmer 60–90 minutes until thick and creamy.
• Stir regularly to prevent sticking.

Add yogurt

• Stir in yogurt gently.
• Cook 10 minutes more.

Season & finish

• Add salt, cumin, pepper, and butter.
• Mix well.

Serve

• Top with caramelized onions and melted butter.

Small Notes :

• Stir frequently for smooth texture.
• Yogurt should be at room temperature to avoid curdling.
• Can be made without meat for a vegetarian version.
• Texture should be thick and creamy, not dry.