Introduction
Shami Ouzi is one of the most iconic and luxurious celebration dishes in Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine.
It is traditionally served at weddings and grand banquets, as it combines fragrant rice, tender meat, pistachios, peas, and aromatic spices, all wrapped in a crispy golden pastry baked to perfection.
Ouzi represents a refined blend of Levantine heritage and elegant Damascene cuisine, offering a rich and balanced flavor profile that unites classic Middle Eastern spices with a structured, satisfying filling.
Despite its professional appearance, Shami Ouzi is not difficult to prepare when the steps are followed carefully, making it a perfect recipe for Atayeb Kitchen.
⭐ First: What Is Shami Ouzi?
Ouzi is a festive dish based on:
- Spiced rice
- Lamb or chicken
- Peas and vegetables
- Toasted nuts
- Thin pastry filled and baked
It is served either as individual stuffed parcels or as a large family-sized pie, and is one of the most popular dishes for special occasions thanks to its luxurious taste and elegant presentation.
⭐ Second: Essential Ingredients for Shami Ouzi
1) Rice Ingredients:
- Basmati rice, washed and soaked
- Boiled peas
- Finely chopped carrots
- Meat or chicken stock
- Ouzi spice mix or mixed Middle Eastern spices
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Bay leaves
- Black pepper and salt
2) Meat Ingredients:
- Minced lamb or diced meat
- Finely chopped onion
- A pinch of seven-spice blend
- Black pepper
- Ghee or oil for sautéing
3) Additional Ingredients:
- Toasted pine nuts
- Toasted almonds
- Aleppo pistachios (used for luxurious occasions)
4) Pastry:
- Phyllo dough (filo pastry)
or - Homemade thin pastry sheets
Phyllo dough is the easiest and most visually appealing option when baking.
⭐ Third: Preparing the Rice – The Soft Heart of Ouzi
Ghee is heated, then carrots and onions are added without heavy browning.
Spices are added, followed by rice and peas.
Hot stock is poured in, and the rice is cooked over low heat until fluffy and lightly rich.
This step is crucial:
The rice must be fully cooked yet firm, not overly moist, so it holds its shape inside the pastry.
⭐ Fourth: Preparing the Meat – Authentic Levantine Flavor
Onions are sautéed until soft, then meat is added and cooked until lightly browned.
Spices are added and the mixture is cooked until fully seasoned.
The meat should be relatively dry, without excess liquid, to prevent soggy pastry later.
⭐ Fifth: Mixing the Filling – The Balance That Makes the Difference
A portion of rice is mixed with the cooked meat, peas, and toasted nuts.
This mixture fills the ouzi parcels and must be balanced:
- Not too dry
- Not too moist
A spoon of ghee may be added for shine and enhanced flavor.
⭐ Sixth: Shaping the Ouzi – An Elegant Technical Step
Individual Parcels Method:
- Phyllo sheets are laid out and brushed with ghee
- Filling is placed in the center
- Edges are gathered to form a pouch
- Parcels are flipped onto the tray with the seam side down
- Brushed with ghee or egg wash for golden color
Family-Sized Method:
- Phyllo sheets are layered in a large tray
- Filling is spread evenly
- Edges are folded over
- Baked as one large savory pie
⭐ Seventh: Baking – The Secret of Golden Ouzi
Ouzi is baked in a hot oven at 200°C (390°F) until:
- Deep golden color
- Crispy edges
- Soft, flavorful interior
Baking usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on parcel size.
⭐ Eighth: Serving – A Luxurious Levantine Presentation
Shami Ouzi is served with:
- Yogurt and cucumber salad
- Fresh green salad
- Labneh
- Fried potatoes
- Tahini sauce
The top is garnished with toasted pine nuts, almonds, and pistachios, transforming it into a royal centerpiece.
⭐ Nutritional Benefits of Shami Ouzi
- High protein content from meat
- Dietary fiber from rice and vegetables
- Provides high energy for celebrations
- Nuts add healthy fats and essential nutrients
Conclusion
Shami Ouzi is not just a dish —
it is a full celebration of Levantine flavor and tradition.
It is the ultimate festive dish, bringing families together around a table rich with warmth and refined taste.
With its harmonious blend of rice, meat, pastry, and nuts, Shami Ouzi holds a special place in Levantine cuisine and deserves a prominent position in the banquet and celebration dishes section of Atayeb Kitchen.
