Ouzi Rice

Ouzi is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a celebration. Traditionally, it’s a Middle Eastern rice dish made with fragrant basmati rice, warm spices, mince meat, peas, and a generous topping of toasted nuts. While classic ouzi is often prepared with slow-cooked lamb or ground meat, this version is my plant-based, one-pot take - all the flavour, none of the meat.

This recipe is perfect when you want something comforting yet impressive, without spending hours in the kitchen. Using plant-based mince keeps it quick, hearty, and weeknight-friendly, while still honouring the rich spices that make ouzi so special.

Ingredients

For the Rice & Plant-Based Meat:

• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed

• 1 lb (450g) plant-based mince meat

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1½ cups frozen peas

• 3–4 cups vegetable broth

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil

Spices (or 2 tsp Lebanese 7-Spice blend):

• 1 tsp ground allspice

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp ground white pepper

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• ¼ cup slivered almonds

• ¼ cup pine nuts

• Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil and vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in the plant-based ground meat along with the spices, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, stirring often, until heated through and well coated in the spices.

Step2: Mix in the frozen peas and rinsed basmati rice. Stir everything together and let it toast gently for 2–3 minutes so the rice absorbs all those warm flavours.

Step 3: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: While the rice cooks, toast the almonds and pine nuts in a small pan with a little vegan butter or olive oil until golden and fragrant.

Step 5: Gently fluff the ouzi with a fork, then spoon it into sheets of filo pastry using a breakfast bowl to shape into small parcels. 

Step6: Place the parcels on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Serve warm with tzatziki yogurt on the side and enjoy.

💬 If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.