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Middle Eastern Lamb Stew 3

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Middle Eastern Lamb Stew 3

Middle Eastern Lamb Stew 3 embodies the generous spirit of home cooking, with each family crafting it to their own salt and fat preferences. This dish, a staple on Middle Eastern tables, is prepared with a trusting confidence passed down through generations, where ingredients are measured by intuition rather than scales. It is a dish that finds its place in both everyday meals and special occasions, celebrating the warmth of communal dining.

The stew's rich, savory depth comes from the tender lamb cubes, slowly simmered with onions until they meld into a comforting harmony. Olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness, while fine sea salt and black pepper enhance the lamb's natural flavors. Serve it with crusty bread or rice, inviting everyone to savor and share.

Ingredients

  • 800 glamb cubes
  • 2onions
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Start by seasoning 800 g of lamb cubes generously with fine sea salt and black pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated by tossing them in a large bowl. This step enhances the flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned lamb cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown each piece on all sides until they develop a deep, rich color, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. This browning process is crucial for building the stew's flavor.
  3. After all the lamb is browned, remove it from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add 2 finely chopped onions. Sauté the onions in the remaining oil and lamb drippings over medium heat until they become translucent and start to caramelize, which will take about 5-7 minutes. This step adds sweetness and depth to the stew.
  4. Return the browned lamb cubes to the pot with the onions. Add enough water or stock to just cover the meat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it braise slowly. The lamb is done when it is fork-tender and the liquid has reduced to a rich, flavorful sauce, which may take 1.5 to 2 hours.
  5. Once the lamb is tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. The flavors should be balanced, with the richness of the lamb complemented by the sweetness of the onions.
  6. Serve the Middle Eastern Lamb Stew hot, accompanied by rice, bread, or a fresh salad. This dish is meant to be shared, embodying the warmth and hospitality of Middle Eastern home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Middle Eastern volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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