Ouze Parcels (spiced meat and rice parcels)

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Ouzi is a beloved Middle Eastern dish - fragrant spiced rice with tender meat, sweet peas, and toasted nuts… a dish we bring out for gatherings, for family, and for moments that matter.

Now imagine that… wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry. That first crack through the crust… the warm, aromatic filling inside… it’s comfort, tradition, and a little bit of magic in every bite.

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Ouze Parcels (spiced meat and rice parcels)

Yield: 12 parcels

Author: Fida Milki

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or any meat of choice)
• 2 tablespoons 7-spice blend
• Salt to taste
• 1½ cups long-grain rice
• 3 cups water or stock
• 1 1/2 cups frozen green peas
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 cup blanched almonds
• 25g phyllo pastry sheets

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the meat, 7-spice and salt. Sauté until browned. Remove from the pan to a mixing bowl and set aside.
3. Wash the rice until the water runs clear, then add it to the same pan along with the water or stock.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover and cook for around 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is fully cooked. Fluff the rice and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes.
5. Add the rice to the cooked beef, then stir in the frozen peas. This will help cool the rice mix and at the same time defrost the peas.
6. Heat the butter in a small pan and fry the almonds until golden and crunchy. Strain off the butter and dry the almonds with a kitchen paper.
7. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200 C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
8. Cut each pastry sheet into 4 squares, about 5 inches each. Take 3 squares of pastry and use them to line a small 2¾-inch bowl, making sure that they overlap. Drape the excess pastry over the edge of the bowl.
9. Fill the centre with a tablespoon of the fried almonds and around 4½ oz of the rice mix.
10. Bring in the flaps of dough to cover the filling, lightly press and flip over into your hand.
11. Place on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the dough and fillings.
12. Generously brush each pie with butter or olive oil,arrange 3 almond halves on top to decorate and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden.
13. Serve immediately for perfect crispiness, with your favourite gravy or some pomegranate molasses.
14. Enjoy!