How Arabs Cook the Best Lamb and Rice

lamb

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: beef

Chicken is leaner and more affordable than lamb.

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa offers more protein, while long-grain rice is budget-friendly.

almonds

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts are heart-healthy, and sunflower seeds are often less expensive.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, and seasoned water is cost-effective.

Add 3 dried red chilies, 2 teaspoons coriander seeds, 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, 2 teaspoons black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon cloves, 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, and 1 cinnamon stick to a dry pan.

Roast the spices on medium heat until they start to smoke, about 2 minutes.

Cool the roasted spices slightly and grind them into a powder.

Prepare 3 lb of lamb, cut into chunky pieces, mostly leg.

In a large pan, heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Add the lamb and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it gets a little color.

Puncture 1 dried black lemon or lime and add it to the pan with the lamb.

Add 2 cups of chopped onions and 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic to the pan and cook for about 4 minutes on medium heat.

Add 3 cups of chopped tomatoes and the ground spice mixture to the pan, stirring well.

Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes break down.

Pour in 5 cups of chicken stock and lower the heat just above a simmer, covering the pan.

Let it cook for 20-30 minutes.

Rinse 3 cups of basmati rice a couple of times and set aside.

Add 135 g of tomato paste to the pan and cook for another 10 minutes.

Check the lamb for tenderness, ensuring it's cooked nicely.

Remove the lamb from the pan and set aside.

Add 4 pieces of fresh chili and 1/2 cup of cilantro to the pan.

Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and mix well with the liquid.

Add water to the rice, using a ratio of 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice.

Cover the pan and cook for about 8-9 minutes.

Remove the lid to check the rice, which should be sticky and flavorful.

Place the lamb back on top of the rice, cover, and let it sit for a few minutes to warm through.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens