Syrian Ouzi Recipe - Golden Phyllo Lamb Pie from Damascus

Syrian Ouzi Phyllo pastry Lamb pie Syrian feast Damascus recipe

Syrian Ouzi – The Golden Phyllo Pie That Steals Every Feast

📅 June 18, 2026 | 🍽️ Syrian | ⏱️ 1 hour + baking | ★★★★★

Syrian Ouzi is the golden, crispy phyllo pie that shows up at every celebration worth remembering. Crispy pastry on the outside, spiced lamb and rice on the inside, and a yogurt herb dip on the side. It's the dish that makes weddings, Eid, and family gatherings feel complete.

This is the Syrian version. Not the rice pilaf you see elsewhere. This is the phyllo-wrapped treasure – individual pies or one big showstopper – that Damascene grandmothers have been perfecting for generations.

💡 The Syrian secret: Ouzi (also spelled 'Sarrar al-Ouzi') is a Damascus specialty. Unlike the Jordanian or Iraqi rice versions, Syrians wrap the spiced lamb and rice filling in phyllo dough and bake it until golden and flaky.

🌿 What You Need

• 2 packs phyllo dough (thawed)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 300g ground lamb (or beef)
• 1 cup basmati rice, soaked
• 1 carrot, diced
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp ghee or butter
• Seven spices – cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper, salt, allspice
• Toasted pine nuts or almonds (for topping)
• 1 egg + milk (for egg wash)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Syrian Ouzi

1. Make the filling – Sauté onion and garlic in ghee until golden. Add ground lamb and cook until browned. Stir in seven spices, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the rice – Add soaked rice, carrots, peas, and enough broth or water to just cover. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
3. Prep the phyllo – Lay out phyllo sheets, brush each layer with melted butter. For individual pies, cut into squares. For a large pie, layer 6-8 sheets in a baking dish.
4. Fill and fold – Place a generous portion of filling in the center. Fold edges over to form a parcel. For individual pies, gather corners and twist.
5. Bake – Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C fan). Brush pies with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Make the dip – Mix yogurt, fresh mint, parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve alongside the hot ouzi.
7. Serve – Garnish with toasted pine nuts or almonds. Serve warm with the herb yogurt dip.

💡 The golden rule: Don't overfill the phyllo or it will burst. And keep the pastry covered with a damp towel while you work – phyllo dries out fast.

Why This Syrian Ouzi Recipe Wins

• 🥧 Golden, flaky phyllo – the crunch is everything
• 🍖 Spiced lamb + rice – warm, aromatic, and hearty
• 🌿 Herb yogurt dip – cuts through the richness perfectly
• 🎉 Feast-worthy – the dish that makes any celebration special
• 🇸🇾 Authentically Syrian – straight from Damascus

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Syrian ouzi different from other ouzi?
Yes! Syrian ouzi is wrapped in phyllo pastry. Jordanian and Iraqi ouzi are often rice-based with meat on top.

What does 'ouzi' mean?
It comes from the Lebanese word for baked lamb and spiced rice.

Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble the pies, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

What goes with it?
A simple salad, pickles, or a yogurt herb dip.

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This Syrian ouzi recipe is the kind of food that brings people together. Make it for your next gathering. Watch everyone reach for seconds. Thank Damascus later.

Sahtain 💚

Made with phyllo, lamb, and a little bit of Syria.

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Keywords: Syrian ouzi, ouzi recipe, phyllo pie, Syrian lamb pie, Sarrar al-Ouzi, Middle Eastern pastry, Syrian feast food, Damascus recipe, lamb and rice pie.