Hamad

Hamad Recipe - Traditional Iraqi Lamb and Beet Dish

Region / culture: Iraq | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hamad is a traditional Middle Eastern stew made with lamb and beets, simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Hamad has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, with variations of the dish found in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. The combination of tender lamb, sweet beets, and tangy tomatoes creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

3.5 to 4 lb (1.81 kg) shoulder of lamb, diced in one-inch cubes
1 can (28 oz or 794 g) plum tomatoes, drained and diced, juice reserved
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 clove of garlic, mashed
1 tsp turmeric
2 tsp sugar
2 lb (907 g) beets
juice of half a lemon
cooked rice

How to prepare

In a heavy saucepan, combine the lamb with the tomatoes, salt, pepper, garlic, turmeric, and sugar. Cook over high heat, stirring, until the meat is browned. Then, cover and simmer on the stove for approximately 2 hours, adding more tomato juice if needed.
Meanwhile, boil the beets in enough water to cover them for about 20 minutes. Once they are cool enough to handle, peel and dice them.
Add the diced beets to the stew and continue to simmer, covered, for about 20 more minutes. Just before serving, add the lemon juice and adjust the seasonings to taste. Serve with white rice.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the lamb with chickpeas or tofu.
Add a touch of heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as cumin, coriander, or cinnamon, to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Browning the lamb before simmering it in the tomato sauce helps to develop rich flavors in the stew.

- Be sure to adjust the seasonings to taste before serving, as the lemon juice adds a bright and tangy finish to the dish.

- Serve the Hamad with fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce and balance out the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hamad with a side of fluffy white rice and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the lamb before simmering helps to develop rich flavors in the stew.

- Simmering the stew slowly over low heat allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find beets, you can substitute with carrots or potatoes.

- Use chicken or beef as a substitute for lamb if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Hamad can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hamad in a large serving bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hamad with a glass of red wine, such as a Syrah or Merlot, to complement the rich flavors of the stew.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Hamad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hamad contains approximately 450 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hamad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, mainly from the beets and tomatoes in the stew.

Fats

Hamad is a rich and hearty dish, with each serving containing around 20 grams of fat, primarily from the lamb meat.

Proteins

With a generous amount of lamb in each serving, Hamad provides a substantial source of protein, with around 40 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

The beets in Hamad are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate. The tomatoes also provide a dose of vitamin A and lycopene.

Alergens

Hamad contains lamb meat, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, Hamad is a nutritious and balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals in each serving.

Summary

Hamad is a delicious and comforting Middle Eastern stew made with tender lamb, sweet beets, and a flavorful tomato sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, and is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Hamad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the mountains of Lebanon. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was a master in the kitchen and she had acquired this recipe from a dear friend who lived in a neighboring village.

I remember watching in awe as my grandmother carefully measured out the ingredients and mixed them together in a large bowl. The aroma that filled the kitchen as she cooked the Hamad was intoxicating - a blend of spices and flavors that I had never experienced before. I knew then that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

My grandmother took me under her wing and patiently taught me the ins and outs of making Hamad. She showed me how to marinate the lamb in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and a secret blend of spices that she swore by. She taught me how to cook the meat slowly over a low flame until it was tender and succulent. And she showed me how to make the perfect rice to accompany the dish - fluffy and fragrant with a hint of cinnamon and toasted pine nuts.

As I grew older, I continued to perfect my recipe for Hamad. I added my own twist to the blend of spices, experimenting with different combinations until I found the perfect balance of flavors. I shared this dish with friends and family, who all marveled at the unique taste and texture of the dish.

Over the years, I have passed down this recipe for Hamad to my own children and grandchildren. It has become a beloved tradition in our family, a dish that we prepare on special occasions and holidays. Whenever I make Hamad, I am transported back to that small village kitchen, watching my grandmother at work with a sense of wonder and admiration.

I have come to realize that this recipe for Hamad is more than just a dish - it is a connection to my past, a link to my heritage and the generations of women who came before me. It is a reminder of the love and care that my grandmother poured into her cooking, and a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime.

So the next time you sit down to enjoy a plate of Hamad, remember the story behind the recipe. Remember the hands that prepared it with love and the traditions that have been passed down through the ages. And most importantly, savor every bite, knowing that you are tasting a piece of history and a piece of my heart.