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🇱🇧 Lebanon · Food

Moughrabiyeh

90 min
A recipe worth the effort
🔥 450 kcal
Hearty helping
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Moughrabiyeh🇱🇧 LBAI-generated image

A traditional Lebanese pearl couscous dish with tender meat and warming spices. This celebratory meal is a staple of Lebanese comfort food.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Sauté chopped onions in 50g clarified butter until golden and translucent.

  • 2

    Sear the lamb shanks in the same pot over high heat to build a rich brown crust.

  • 3

    Add water to cover and bring to a boil; skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

  • 4

    Stir in the seven spices and salt, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 75 minutes.

  • 5

    Toast the pearl couscous in a separate pan with a touch of butter until lightly fragrant.

  • 6

    Combine the cooked couscous with the meat stock and cook until the liquid is fully absorbed.

  • 7

    Serve the shanks atop a bed of fluffy couscous and garnish with toasted almonds.

  • 8

    Ensure the meat is 'fall-off-the-bone' tender before turning off the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moughrabiyeh?+

Moughrabiyeh is a Lebanese stew made with pearl-like semolina pasta, tender lamb shank, onions, and aromatic spices. Typically served during family gatherings, it is often garnished with toasted almonds and enjoyed as a main course.

Can I use chicken instead of lamb?+

Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent and popular substitute.

What is the secret to perfect couscous?+

Toast the grains lightly in butter before adding liquid to prevent clumping.

How do I know if the shanks are done?+

The meat should pull away from the bone easily when poked with a fork.

Can I make this vegetarian?+

Use vegetable stock and hearty root vegetables like carrots and chickpeas instead of meat.

Mundo Match

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