Lamb Pilaf

Lamb Pilaf, often called 'Riz bi Lahme' in Arabic, is a beloved Middle Eastern one-pot dish where tender, spiced lamb is cooked with fragrant rice, onions, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom. It's a staple comfort food, often enriched with toasted nuts and raisins for texture and sweetness, and is a centerpiece for family gatherings and celebrations across the Levant and Gulf regions.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a well-balanced, hearty meal, providing a good mix of complex carbohydrates from the rice, high-quality protein from the lamb, and healthy fats. A typical serving is calorie-dense, likely ranging from 500-700 calories, and is a significant source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	600 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Zinc	4.5 mg
Potassium	400 mg
Phosphorus	250 mg
Niacin (B3)	6 mg
Vitamin B12	2.5 mcg
Selenium	20 mcg
Manganese	1.2 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the act of cooking and sharing pilaf is a symbol of hospitality and generosity; the quality of the rice and meat often reflects the host's care. Nutritionally, the traditional cooking method, where the rice absorbs the flavorful lamb broth, helps retain water-soluble vitamins and minerals that might otherwise be lost.