Al Harees
Dec 28, 2025
Ritik Rana
Introduction
Al Harees is one of the oldest and most cherished traditional dishes of the United Arab Emirates. Made with just a few humble ingredients—wheat, meat, water, and salt—it perfectly represents the Emirati philosophy of slow cooking and simple, nourishing food. Despite its minimal ingredients, Al Harees is deeply comforting, rich in texture, and full of subtle flavor.
This dish is especially popular during Ramadan, weddings, and religious celebrations. It is often prepared in large quantities and shared among families and neighbors, making it a symbol of generosity and community.
What Makes Al Harees Special
What truly sets Al Harees apart is the long, slow cooking process. The wheat and meat are cooked together for several hours until they completely break down, forming a smooth, porridge-like consistency. The flavors blend naturally without the need for spices, allowing the taste of the meat and wheat to shine.
Al Harees is not about bold seasoning—it’s about patience, technique, and tradition.
Ingredients Used in Al Harees
Wheat
Whole wheat grains (cracked or hulled wheat) are the base of the dish.
Tip: Soaking the wheat overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves texture.
Meat
Chicken or lamb is most commonly used.
Tip: Bone-in meat adds more flavor and richness to the final dish.
Water
Plenty of water is needed for slow cooking.
Tip: Keep extra hot water ready to adjust consistency during cooking.
Seasoning
Salt is traditionally the only seasoning.
Tip: Butter or ghee is added at the end for richness, not during cooking.
How to Make Al Harees
Step 1: Soak the Wheat
Wash the wheat thoroughly and soak it in water overnight. Drain before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Wheat
Place the soaked wheat and meat in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add water until fully covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Step 3: Slow Cooking
Cover the pot and let it cook for several hours, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the wheat and meat will soften and begin to merge.
Step 4: Beat and Blend
Once everything is fully cooked, beat the mixture with a wooden spoon or masher until smooth and creamy. The meat should completely break apart.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Season with salt to taste and drizzle generously with melted butter or ghee. Serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Al Harees
Low and slow is essential: Rushing the cooking process ruins the texture.
Stir occasionally: Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Texture matters: Al Harees should be smooth, not grainy.
Serve warm: It thickens as it cools.
What to Serve with Al Harees
Al Harees is usually enjoyed on its own, but it can be served with:
Cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top (traditional in some regions)
Dates for sweetness
Light salads or yogurt on the side
Al Harees is a dish rooted in heritage and humility. With its gentle flavors and comforting texture, it remains a powerful reminder that simple ingredients, when cooked with care and time, can create something truly special.
United Arab Emirates
Latest Blogs
Best Beaches in India
Best National Parks in Sri Lanka for Wildlife & Safaris
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Explore India’s Tropical Escapes: Goa, Kerala & Andaman
Visit India’s Iconic Landmarks: Taj Mahal & More
7 Best Summer Travel Destinations in India
Small Italian Towns That Make You Fall in Love With Italy
Experiencing Maori Culture as a Respectful Traveler
Traveling Spain by Train vs Renting a Car
Eating in Italy: Lessons About Food, Time & Culture
Small Towns in New Zealand: A Unique Travel Experience
Exploring Southern Spain’s White Villages: Travel Guide
Traveling Italy Slowly: Fewer Cities, Better Experiences
Driving New Zealand’s Scenic Roads Without Rushing the Trip
Living on Spanish Time: How Slow Days Change Travel
Italy Beyond Rome & Venice: Cities That Truly Surprised Me
New Zealand Without Adrenaline: A Calm Way to Explore
Spain Beyond Barcelona & Madrid: Cities That Feel Authentic
Winter Travel in Finland Without Extreme Adventure
Photographing Iceland Without a Drone or Expensive Gear
A Slow Travel Journey Through Norway’s Small Coastal Villages
Experiencing Sauna Culture in Finland as a Traveler
Driving Iceland’s Ring Road: What No One Tells You Before You Go
What It’s Really Like Traveling Above the Arctic Circle in Norway
Why Finland Feels Like the Most Peaceful Country to Travel In
Iceland Is Not Just About Waterfalls: Experiences That Surprised Me
Norway Beyond the Fjords: Unexpected Experiences Most Travelers Miss
Best Nightlife Experiences in the USA (Clubs, Bars & Rooftops)
Best Beach Destinations in the USA for Relaxation & Water Activities
Top USA Cities to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
Best Festivals & Events in the USA Worth Traveling For
Best Weekend Getaways in the USA
Hidden Gems in the USA Most Tourists Miss
Best Cities to Visit in the USA for Tourists
Top National Parks in the USA You Should Visit Once in Your Life
Best Budget Travel Destinations in the USA
Best Time to Visit the USA: Month-by-Month Travel Guide
Top USA Road Trip Routes You Must Experience
Best Places to Visit in the USA for First-Time Travelers
Roast Duck A Juicy and Flavorful American Classic
Creamy Chicken A Rich and Comforting American Classic
Bacon Meatballs A Flavor-Packed American Comfort Favorite
Honey Mustard Chicken A Sweet and Savory American Favorite
Pork Tenderloin A Lean and Flavorful American Classic
Tacho Macau’s Hearty Portuguese-Inspired Comfort Dish
Malaysian Satay A Smoky Street Food Classic Loved Worldwide
Dutch Cheese Gouda and Edam, The Pride of the Netherlands
African Chicken Macau’s Bold Fusion Dish with Portuguese Roots
Laksa Malaysia’s Iconic Noodle Soup Bursting with Flavor
Poffertjes The Fluffy Dutch Mini Pancakes Loved by All
Macanese Pork Chop Bun Macau’s Iconic Street Food Sandwich
Roti Canai Malaysia’s Beloved Flaky Flatbread
Haring The Iconic Dutch Raw Herring Tradition
Minchi Macau’s Comforting Minced Meat Classic with Portuguese Influence
Char Kway Teow: Malaysia’s Smoky Stir-Fried Noodle Street Food Classic
Bitterballen: The Ultimate Dutch Comfort Snack
Portuguese Egg Tart Macau’s Iconic Custard Pastry with a Golden Legacy
Nasi Lemak Malaysia’s Beloved National Dish of Comfort and Flavor
Stroopwafels The Iconic Dutch Caramel Waffle Treat
Breadfruit and Fish A Classic Seychellois Coastal Comfort Dish
Brunost Norway’s Sweet and Savory Brown Cheese Tradition
New Zealand Meat Pies: The Ultimate Kiwi Comfort Food
Ladob Seychelles’ Sweet and Comforting Coconut Dessert
Kjottkaker Norway’s Classic Homemade Meatball Tradition
Fish and Chips New Zealand’s Iconic Coastal Comfort Food
Shark Chutney A Traditional Seychellois Seafood Delight
Lutefisk A Classic Norwegian Holiday Dish
Lamb The Quintessential New Zealand Culinary Delight
Octopus Curry A Flavorful Seychellois Seafood Classic
Rakfisk Norway’s Bold and Traditional Fermented Fish Delicacy
Pavlova New Zealand’s Light and Elegant Dessert Icon
Grilled Fish A Taste of the Seychelles Ocean
Farikal Norway’s Timeless Lamb and Cabbage Stew
Hangi The Ancient Earth-Cooked Feast of New Zealand Hangi
Hoppers (Appa) Sri Lanka’s Crispy Coconut Pancake Delight
Kottu Roti
String Hoppers (Idiyappam)
Pol Sambol
Paella
Tapas
Tortilla Española
Churros
Gazpacho
Rice and Curry
Alplermagronen
Swiss Chocolate
Rösti
Raclette
Cheese Fondue
Pide
Lahmacun
Baklava
Döner
Kebab
Khubz
Luqaimat
Shawarma
Al Harees
Machboos
Satay
Char Kway Teow
Laksa
Chilli Crab
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Moussaka
Greek Salad
Spanakopita
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki
Bianco Fish
Private Chartered Boats Now Available in Mykonos, Greece
The Indian Traveller's Guide to Greece: Beyond the Usual!
21 Best Things To Do in Paros, Greece
Greece Family Holidays: Ultimate Guide to Perfect Family Vacations
Visit The Navagio Beach Shipwreck In Zakynthos
Journey through the timeless beauty of Greece’s Destinations
MyKonoos Gateway to Extraordinary Experiences
Travel: Explore. Dream. Discover.
Greece Awaits: Your Guide to Exploring Its Rich Heritage and Stunning Islands
Discover the Magic of Greece’s Historic Heart: Acropolis
Experience the Timeless Charm of Greece’s Historic Heart : Ancient Agora