Lamb with Rice

Egyptian Lamb with Rice Recipe

Region / culture: Egypt | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lamb with rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender pieces of lamb with fluffy, flavorful rice. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Lamb with rice is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a popular dish in countries like Iran, Turkey, and Lebanon, where lamb is a staple meat. The combination of tender lamb and fragrant rice is a winning combination that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of lamb, cut into 0.5 inch cubes
3 medium onions, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups milk
2 cups rice, rinsed
4 tbsp butter, melted

How to prepare

Simmer the meat, onions, coriander, salt, and pepper in water in a covered saucepan over low heat for one hour. Remove the meat and set it aside, keeping it warm.
Add 2 cups of water and the milk to the stock in which the meat was cooked. Bring it to a boil. Stir in the rice, cover, and cook very gently over low heat until the rice is nearly cooked (about 15 minutes). Turn off the heat and allow it to steam for 10 minutes longer.
Place the rice on a large tray. Arrange the pieces of meat on top. Pour the melted butter over the rice and meat. Serve it with a vegetable salad.

Variations

You can add different spices to the meat and rice for a unique flavor profile. You can also add vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the meat and onions slowly to allow the flavors to develop fully.

- Use fresh cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.

- Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.

- Allow the rice to steam after cooking to ensure a fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Lamb with rice is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the meat slowly allows it to become tender and flavorful. Cooking the rice gently ensures a fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or beef instead of lamb in this recipe. You can also use ghee instead of butter for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat and rice ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the lamb with rice on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lamb with rice pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing mint tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of lamb with rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of lamb with rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of lamb with rice contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of lamb with rice contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lamb is a good source of vitamins B12, B6, and zinc. Rice is a good source of manganese and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and butter.

Summary

Lamb with rice is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lamb with rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With tender pieces of lamb, fluffy rice, and fragrant spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Lamb with Rice. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of my grandmother. My family didn't have much, but we always made the most of what we had. Food was a big part of our culture and traditions, and my grandmother was always in the kitchen, cooking up delicious meals for us to enjoy.

One day, while I was helping my grandmother prepare dinner, she pulled out a worn and tattered recipe book from the cupboard. It was filled with recipes that she had collected over the years, from friends, family, and even strangers she had met along her travels. As I flipped through the pages, one recipe caught my eye - Lamb with Rice.

My grandmother smiled as she saw my interest in the recipe. She told me that this dish was a family favorite, passed down through generations. The combination of tender lamb, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice made it a truly special meal. She explained to me the process of cooking the lamb until it was perfectly tender, then adding in the rice to soak up all the delicious flavors.

I was eager to learn how to make this dish, so my grandmother patiently walked me through each step. She showed me how to season the lamb with a blend of aromatic spices, then brown it in a hot skillet to lock in the flavor. As the lamb sizzled in the pan, the kitchen filled with the mouth-watering aroma of garlic, onions, and cumin.

Next, my grandmother added in the rice, stirring it gently to coat each grain with the savory juices from the lamb. She poured in some broth and let the mixture simmer on the stove, allowing the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors. I watched in awe as the dish transformed before my eyes, the rice plumping up and the lamb becoming more tender with each passing minute.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of waiting, the Lamb with Rice was ready to be served. My grandmother scooped out generous portions onto our plates, garnishing them with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. The first bite was pure bliss - the tender lamb melted in my mouth, while the fluffy rice was bursting with flavor.

As we sat around the table, savoring each bite of the Lamb with Rice, my grandmother shared stories of how she had come to learn this recipe. She told me about the time she had visited a remote village in the mountains, where a kind old woman had taught her the secrets of cooking lamb to perfection. She recounted how she had traded recipes with a fellow traveler on a long train journey, exchanging tips and tricks for making the best rice dishes.

Each story added a new layer of meaning to the dish, deepening my appreciation for the culinary traditions that had been passed down through the generations. I realized that cooking was not just about following a set of instructions, but about connecting with others and sharing in their experiences.

From that day on, Lamb with Rice became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I would often make it for family gatherings, impressing my loved ones with the rich and complex flavors of this timeless dish. And as I cooked, I would think back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, when I first learned the magic of creating something truly delicious from a simple recipe.

To this day, whenever I make Lamb with Rice, I can still feel my grandmother's presence in the kitchen, guiding me through each step with love and patience. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of this comforting dish, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. Cooking is not just a skill, but a way of honoring the past and preserving the traditions that have shaped us. And for that, I am forever grateful to my grandmother and the recipe for Lamb with Rice that she so generously shared with me.