MSU Extension Nutrition

Ouzi and Yogurt Drink

July 31, 2023

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Amy Safaoui, Michigan State University Extension

Join Michigan State University Extension community nutrition instructor Amy Safaoui as she shows us how to make ouzi and yogurt drink.

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rice
• 1 pound ground meat (beef, lamb, chicken, turkey)
• 1 cup peas (frozen, canned, fresh)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon seven spice mix
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 cups hot water

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Instructions

1. Rinse the rice with cold water five to seven times to remove excess starch. After rinsing, soak the rice with cold water for 10 minutes.
2. Rinse the frozen peas and set them aside. (Note: You can use canned or fresh peas as well.)
3. In a pot, add vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the ground meat and cook until it turns brown.
4. Once the meat is browned, add the cinnamon and peas to the pot. Stir for two minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add the seven spices to the rice. Mix thoroughly to coat the rice with the spices.
6. Add the rice and spice mixture to the pot with the browned meat and peas. This step is crucial, gently fold all the ingredients together for two minutes, being careful not to break the rice.
7. Pour three cups of hot water into the pot with the rice and meat mixture. Let it come to a boil for one minute.
8. Lower the heat to simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Allow it to cook for 10 minutes.
9. After 10 minutes, uncover the pot and check the rice. If needed, cover it again and let it cook for another couple of minutes until all the water is absorbed.

Your ouzi is now ready to be served. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish!