Old Middle Eastern family recipe, one of my favorites. A mildly spiced lamb stew is served over rice pilaf in this homey main dish.
INGREDIENTS (for 6 servings):
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup crushed garlic
- 2 pounds cubed leg of lamb meat
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon ground dried turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 pound baby okra
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup water
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- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup thin egg noodles
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
PREPARATION:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, and cook until transparent. Add the cubed lamb, and cook until browned on all sides. Season with cumin, mint, turmeric and rosemary. Cook for another 5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste and okra. Combine the lemon juice and water, and stir into the skillet. Cover, and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the egg noodles, and saute until toasted. Pour in the chicken broth and water, and bring to a boil. Stir in rice, cover and simmer over low heat until the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and stir in olive oil before serving. Serve the lamb stew over the rice pilaf.