NYC Halal Cart Style Beef & Lamb Rice Bowls
Matthias
March 31, 2025
Yield: Serves 4–6
Ingredients
Beef & Lamb Meat
IngredientAmount / WeightNoteyellow onion1cut into chunksgarlic cloves4–6ground beef1 lbground lamb1 lboregano2 tbspsalt1 tbspsmoked paprika2 tspcumin1 tspcoriander1 tsp
Yellow Rice
IngredientAmount / WeightNoteBasmati rice2 cupswashedwater or broth3 cupschicken broth preferredghee or butter2 tbspunsaltedturmeric1/2 tspcumin1/2 tspsalt1 tspor to tastebay leaves2
White Sauce
IngredientAmount / WeightNotemayonnaise1/2 cupyogurt1/2 cupplainlemon juicefrom 1 lemonfreshly squeezedwhite vinegar1 tbspsugar1 tbspfresh parsley1 tbspfinely mincedsaltto tasteblack pepperto tastefreshly ground
Steps
To make the Beef & Lamb:
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).In a food processor, blend onion and garlic until finely chopped.Add ground beef, ground lamb, and all the seasonings. Blend until fully incorporated, scraping down sides as needed.Transfer meat mixture to a parchment-lined baking dish, pressing it into an even layer about 1 1/2 inches thick.Bake for 35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).Let cool slightly, then slice and dice the meat.In a hot skillet, sear the diced meat with a bit of the pan drippings until browned and crispy on the edges.
To make the Yellow Rice:
In a medium pan over medium heat, melt ghee or butter.Add turmeric and cumin, sautéing for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.Stir in the washed rice, toasting it for another 2–3 minutes until slightly nutty.Add water or chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.Alternatively, transfer everything to a rice cooker and cook according to its settings.
To make the White Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, and sugar until smooth.Stir in minced parsley, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.Chill until ready to serve.
To assemble:
Spoon yellow rice into bowls.Top with seared beef and lamb.Drizzle generously with white sauce.Optional: Serve with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, or hot sauce for the full street cart experience.
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