🇱🇧 Lebanon · Food

Harissa (Lebanese Wheat Porridge)

75 min
A great way to spend your free time
🔥 450 kcal
Hearty helping
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Harissa (Lebanese Wheat Porridge)🇱🇧 LBElmondo21st · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A comforting, slow-cooked porridge made from hulled wheat and tender meat. It is a traditional winter dish often served at communal feasts.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Soak 500g of hulled wheat in water for 4 hours.

  • 2

    Brown 1kg of lamb shank in 50g butter in a large pot until golden.

  • 3

    Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

  • 4

    Add the wheat, cinnamon stick, and 2 liters of water to the pot.

  • 5

    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 hours until the meat falls off the bone.

  • 6

    Remove the bones and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon to create a thick, creamy consistency.

  • 7

    Season with 1 tsp of salt to taste.

  • 8

    Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of melted butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of lamb?+

Yes, chicken breasts or thighs work well, though lamb is more traditional.

Should I blend the mixture?+

No, it is traditionally stirred vigorously with a wooden spoon to maintain texture.

How long can I store this?+

It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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