Lamb and Date Stew

Lamb and Date Stew Recipe from Oman with Spices and Slivered Almonds

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours and 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Lamb and Date Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender lamb with sweet dates and aromatic spices. This stew is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold evening, and is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

This recipe has its roots in Middle Eastern cuisine, where lamb is a popular meat choice and dates are a common ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. The combination of savory and sweet flavors in this stew creates a unique and delicious dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

1 to 2 tsp crushed red pepper
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp salt
2 lb (907 g) of boneless leg of lamb (or beef or camel meat), cut into 1 to 1.5 inch pieces (or four pounds of meat with bones)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 large cans of beef broth (14.5 oz (411 g) each; or beef bouillon with water)
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water
1 cup of pitted dates
cooked white rice
0.25 cup of toasted slivered almonds (optional)

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine the spices and salt. Coat the meat with the seasoning mixture.
In a large, heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in the hot oil. Add onions and garlic, and stir to combine.
Pour the broth over all. Bring to a boil. Then, cover and simmer on the lowest heat for a couple of hours or until the meat is tender.
Skim fat from the surface of the juices. Stir cornstarch into the cold water; add to the meat in the pan and stir.
Add the dates and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for another 15 minutes or until the mixture is slightly thickened and bubbly. (This recipe is also delicious when made in a crockery cooker.)
Serve hot over white rice and garnish with toasted almonds.

Variations

You can add other dried fruits such as apricots or prunes for a different flavor profile.
Add some chopped vegetables like carrots or potatoes for added texture and nutrition.
Experiment with different spices such as cumin or coriander for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meat before adding the onions and garlic to develop rich flavor in the stew.

- Simmer the stew on low heat for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

- Skim any excess fat from the surface of the stew before serving for a lighter dish.

- Garnish the stew with toasted almonds for added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stew hot over cooked white rice for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a delicious and filling dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before simmering adds depth of flavor to the stew.

- Simmering the stew on low heat allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

- Thickening the stew with a cornstarch slurry creates a rich and velvety texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or beef instead of lamb in this recipe for a different flavor.

- If you don't have dates, you can substitute with other dried fruits such as apricots or prunes.

- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version of this stew.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stew with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This stew pairs well with a full-bodied red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Shiraz. You can also serve it with a side of couscous or quinoa for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat the stew in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this stew contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

This stew is a good source of carbohydrates, with the dates providing natural sweetness and energy. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The olive oil in this stew provides healthy fats, while the lamb adds some additional fat content. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Lamb is a rich source of protein, with each serving of this stew containing approximately 40 grams of protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, all of which are important for overall health and well-being. Dates also provide a good amount of fiber and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies. Please use caution if you or your guests have nut allergies.

Summary

Overall, this Lamb and Date Stew is a nutritious and balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Lamb and Date Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a rich and flavorful broth, tender meat, and sweet dates, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it over cooked white rice and garnish with toasted almonds for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the small village of Abyaneh in Iran. I remember it like it was yesterday, the warm sun shining down on us as we gathered in the bustling market square.

I had always loved cooking, even as a child. My mother would let me help her in the kitchen, teaching me the traditional recipes that had been passed down through generations. But it wasn't until that fateful day in the market that I discovered the lamb and date stew that would become one of my signature dishes.

I was wandering through the market, taking in all the sights and smells of the bustling stalls, when I stumbled upon an old woman selling spices and herbs. She had a weathered face, with deep lines etched into her skin from years of hard work. But her eyes sparkled with a mischievous light as she beckoned me closer.

"Come here, child," she said, her voice low and gravelly. "I have a recipe for you that will change your life."

Intrigued, I approached the old woman, my heart pounding with excitement. She reached into a worn leather satchel and pulled out a tattered piece of parchment, yellowed with age and covered in faded ink. She handed it to me, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"This is my secret recipe for lamb and date stew," she whispered, her voice barely a whisper. "It has been passed down in my family for generations, and now I pass it on to you."

I clutched the parchment in my hands, my heart filled with gratitude. I thanked the old woman profusely, promising to treasure her gift and carry on the tradition. She simply nodded, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction, before disappearing into the crowd.

That night, I rushed home to my mother, eager to share my newfound treasure. Together, we poured over the recipe, deciphering the faded handwriting and discussing the ingredients. It called for tender pieces of lamb, sweet dates, fragrant spices, and a touch of honey to balance the flavors. It sounded like nothing I had ever tasted before, a symphony of tastes and textures that promised to delight the senses.

The next day, I set to work in the kitchen, following the recipe carefully and adding my own twist here and there. The aromas that filled the air were intoxicating, a heady mix of cinnamon, cumin, and cloves that made my mouth water in anticipation. As the stew simmered on the stove, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

When it was finally ready, I served it to my family with a sense of pride, watching their faces light up with joy as they took their first bite. The lamb was meltingly tender, the dates added a subtle sweetness, and the spices danced on their tongues in a tantalizing dance. It was a triumph, a dish that captured the essence of our village and the love that went into every meal we shared.

From that day on, the lamb and date stew became a staple in our home, a recipe that I would make again and again over the years. I shared it with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition that had been gifted to me by that mysterious old woman in the market. And each time I made it, I felt a connection to my past, to the generations of women who had come before me and who had lovingly prepared the same dish in their own kitchens.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing the lamb and date stew for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for that chance encounter so many years ago. It was a moment that changed the course of my life, that set me on a path of culinary discovery and creativity that has brought me so much joy.

And as I watch my grandchildren eagerly dig into their bowls, their faces alight with pleasure, I know that the legacy of the lamb and date stew will live on for generations to come. It is a recipe that transcends time and place, a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I take a bite of the stew myself, savoring the rich flavors and tender meat, I offer a silent thank you to that mysterious old woman in the market. Wherever she may be now, I hope she knows the impact her gift had on my life, and how her recipe continues to bring joy and nourishment to those I hold dear.

For that, I will be forever grateful. And so, with a full heart and a satisfied belly, I raise my spoon in a silent toast to the magic of cooking, the power of tradition, and the enduring legacy of the lamb and date stew.