Adding cooked rice to the yogurt instead of cooking it in the yogurt from the beginning allows you to control the consistency.
Labaniyeh bil ruz is a tangy, garlicky porridge of yogurt and rice that falls somewhere between risotto and congee. It’s lighter on the stomach and easier to prepare than risotto, and you don’t have to worry about maintaining that distinctive al dente bite. Compared to congee, the rice grains in labaniyeh bil ruz retain some of their texture, and the dish has a sharper, more pronounced flavor profile. I personally like to make the dish with chicken broth because I find it the most delicate, which complements the simplicity of the remaining ingredients well. Most often, I make my broth with the leftover carcass of a roast chicken, using onion, bay leaf, garlic, and carrot as aromatics, and whole peppercorns, allspice, coriander, and cinnamon for spice. For the Dressing: In a measuring cup or jar, combine lemon juice, olive oil, harissa, preserved lemon, cilantro, and pepper. Stir or shake until well combined; season with salt.
