IRAQI TURMERIC BARLEY WITH BEEF (PAQOTA)

beef

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner and pork is often less expensive.

barley

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: rice

Quinoa is high in protein while rice is more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and canola oil is budget-friendly.

chickpeas

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are nutritious and canned beans save time.

Soak lamb loin chops in cold water for 30 minutes to remove blood.

Brown lamb loin chops in a deep cooking pot on low to medium heat until golden brown on each side.

Add 14 cups of hot water to the browned meat and turn the heat to high.

Cook the meat for 1 hour and 15 minutes on high heat.

After 1 hour and 15 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 tablespoon of salt to the pot.

Wash 3 cups of whole barley 2-3 times to remove starch.

Add washed barley to the meat broth, ensuring the water level is 4 inches higher than the barley.

Add 2 more cups of hot water if necessary to maintain the water level.

Cook on high heat for 20 minutes without stirring.

Saute chopped onion and add it to the barley after 20 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 15 minutes without stirring.

Lower the heat to simmer and cook for 30 minutes, adding the sautéed onion gently.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: