Herb-Infused Syrian Rice with Lamb and Toasted Almonds

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-29 · Updated 2026-06-29

Fluffy basmati rice cooked with tender lamb pieces, aromatic herbs, and crunchy toasted almonds, showcasing the rich flavors of Syrian home cooking. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 50 minutes pairs rinsed basmati rice, cut into 1-inch cubes lamb stew meat, large, chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 cups, rinsed basmati rice
• 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes lamb stew meat
• 1 large, chopped yellow onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/3 cup, chopped fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds
• 3 1/2 cups water or broth

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lamb stew meat cubes and brown evenly for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté together with the lamb for 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and onions with the spices.
4. Step 4: Add 2 cups rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir to combine with the lamb and onions.
5. Step 5: Pour in 3 1/2 cups water or broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds for added texture and freshness.