Discovering a recipe that meets all criteria—quick, simple, minimal mess, and inclusive (meaning no sides needed)—is uncommon. Upon seeing Mariam Daud’s oozi recipe in her latest book, I Sleep In My Kitchen, I realized I’d found such a treasure.
“Oozi is my go-to lazy meal, for those evenings when I have no idea what to cook and it’s already six,” says Mariam. “The base includes rice, ground beef, frozen peas, and carrots—ingredients I generally have available. It’s ready in 30 minutes, and once you take the lid off the pot, a cloud of spice-scented steam fills the kitchen, revealing plump, vibrant rice dotted with colorful veggies.”
Mariam shares that this classic dish often accompanies chicken legs but serves as a wonderful, straightforward meal alone. “Don’t overthink it!” she advises. “The point of this recipe is that it’s low-effort. The key is good seasoning—allow the spices to cook in the fat for a bit for the flavors to develop. That’s what truly elevates the dish. Beyond that, don’t stress.”
Oozi (Spiced Rice with Beef, Peas, and Carrots)
From I Sleep In My Kitchen, by Mariam Daud
Serves 4-6
for the beef, peas, and carrots:
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced
1 1/4 lbs. ground beef (80%/20%)
1 16-oz bag frozen peas and carrots, thawed
2 tsp fine sea salt
2 tsp curry powder
2 tsp ground allspice
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp seven spice/baharat*
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
*Note: Regarding the seven spice/baharat, Mariam advises: “Don’t stress about specific brands. I pick up whatever’s at my local Middle Eastern shop. If there isn’t one nearby, you can make it at home. A basic batch just needs a tablespoon each of these seven spices: black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, and cardamom.
for the spiced rice:
2 cups basmati rice
3 tbsp ghee or olive oil
1 tbsp ground allspice
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tbsp seven spice
2 tsp fine sea salt
2 tsp Vegeta seasoning or chicken bouillon powder
2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
for serving:
Chopped fresh parsley
Toasted pine nuts
In a large saucepan, warm the oil over medium flame. Add the onion and sauté until soft and see-through (3-4 minutes). Mix in the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until evenly browned (5-7 minutes). Add the peas and carrots, salt, curry powder, allspice, black pepper, seven spice, cinnamon, and turmeric. Stir to coat the beef and veggies with the aromatic spices. Let the mix cook for 5-7 minutes for the flavors to blend. Take the pan off the heat and place it aside.
Prepare the spiced rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until clear to eliminate excess starch, ensuring separate, fluffy grains instead of a sticky texture. In a large pot, melt the ghee over medium heat. Mix in the rice, coating each grain with ghee, and toast for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the allspice, curry powder, seven spice, salt, Vegeta/bouillon, black pepper, turmeric, and cinnamon. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook undisturbed until the rice is done and tender, 15-20 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes to let the rice absorb remaining moisture and become fluffy. “Always let your rice rest for at least ten minutes before serving,” suggests Mariam. “It significantly impacts the texture.”
For serving: Fluff the rice gently with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish. Place the spiced beef mix over the rice. Garnish with parsley and pine nuts.
Thanks so much for sharing this dish with us, Mariam, and congrats on your latest book.
P.S. Enjoy more speedy dinners we adore, including a broccoli soup with six variations and my best friend’s mom’s mushroom paprikash.
(Photos by Jim Henkens. Extracted from I Sleep in My Kitchen, available now from Clarkson Potter/Publishers, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. by Mariam Daud. Copyright © 2026 by Mariam Daud.)
Oozi: A Flavorful and Low-Mess Dinner Choice
Oozi, a classic Middle Eastern recipe, is becoming a popular choice as a flavorful and low-mess dinner for families and food lovers alike. Celebrated for its rich flavors and aromatic spices, oozi provides a fulfilling meal that’s both straightforward to prepare and serve, making it an excellent option for enjoying Middle Eastern cuisine without the complexity of intricate cooking.
Hailing from the Levant region, oozi is a flexible dish that can be tailored to fit different dietary needs. It usually consists of spiced rice, tender meat, and a mix of vegetables, all cooked in a single pot. This one-pot cooking approach not only boosts the flavors but also reduces cleanup, turning oozi into a practical choice for busy homes.
The secret to oozi’s tastiness is its spice blend. Typically used spices include cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, and nutmeg, which infuse the rice and meat with a welcoming aroma. The meat selection can vary, with lamb, chicken, and beef as common picks. For those preferring a vegetarian route, chickpeas or lentils serve as a protein-rich substitution.
Making oozi is simple and requires minimal effort. The process starts by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot, then adding meat and spices. Once the meat browns, rice and broth are added, letting the flavors blend as the dish simmers. Vegetables such as peas, carrots, and bell peppers can be included for extra nutrition and color.
A standout feature of oozi is its presentation. Traditionally, it’s served on a large platter, with the rice forming an aromatic base for the meat and veggies. This communal serving style not only enriches the dining experience but also simplifies portioning, reducing the need for multiple dishes and cutlery.
Beyond taste and convenience, oozi is also a nutritious meal choice. The mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables delivers a balanced diet, while the spices used offer potential health benefits, like aiding digestion and providing anti-inflammatory effects.
For those eager to explore new culinary landscapes, oozi presents an accessible entry to Middle Eastern flavors. Its ease and versatility make it suitable for both newcomers in the kitchen and experienced chefs. Whether planning a dinner gathering or seeking a comforting weeknight meal, oozi is a tasty and low-mess choice certain to impress.
To sum up, oozi is a delightful dish combining the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East with the ease of modern cooking. Its straightforward preparation, minimal cleanup, and flavorful outcomes make it an attractive choice for anyone wanting to enjoy a satisfying and hassle-free meal.
