Harees
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Harees is a traditional Arabic dish consisting of wheat, meat (or chicken) and salt. It is prepared by hitting the wheat with a strong equipment that makes it soft and palletable.
The way of making Harees is a speciality of women. Men with strong arms can help in making it soft. The harees is traditionally eaten with fat taken from sheep and cow. Harees is a rich meal and is filling.
Even though Harees was once a traditional dish made at Arab homes, nowadays one can find it on the menu in any Arabic restaurant in Middle East countries.
[edit] Harees in other parts of the World
Harees found its way to Kerala Kerala, south India, when the Arabs came there for trade in the 7th century. Harees is a very popular dish among the Muslim population of Malabar region (Kerala).
However, it is known by the name "Alsa". It is believed that Alsa was popularised in Malabar by the Keyi family of Thalassery. In Kerala, Harees is sometimes eaten with sugar, although this is not common.
[edit] Occasions
Harees is usually served during festivals and Eid in Arab countries. In Kerala, it is served as a starter before the biryani at Muslim weddings.
[edit] See also
- Arab culture
- Kerala
- Mappilas
- Malik Ibn Dinar
- Haleem, a similar dish prepared by South Asian muslim communities, possibly derived from Harees
