Afghani Lamb And Rice Dish Recipes

AFGHANI LAMB AND RICE DISH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Soak saffron threads and set aside.
• Meat: In a large pot in plenty of water add the ground lamb, 2 T. of the onion and salt and pepper. Bring to boil and cook meat for about 15-20 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Drain meat and reserve all the cooking liquid. Set meat aside. (It is very important to save the liquid as this will be used to cook the rice.).
• Rice: In pan combine the reserved lamb stock, the rice, the saffron threads-straining the threads but including the soaking water, cinnamon, ground cumin, ground coriander and the cardamom powder. Cover, bring to boil and simmer 20 minutes or until grains are tender.
• While the rice is cooking saute the carrots with the sugar on medium heat in a little bit of oil about 5 minutes, being careful not to burn. Next add the onion and raisins and saute another 2 or 3 minutes until carrots are slightly tender but still firm, onions are soft and raisins have plumped up. Set aside.
• Lightly oil an oven proof casserole dish. Spoon half of the carrot mixture on bottom of casserole, followed by part of the meat mixture, then some of the rice, layering the ingredients so that you end up with rice on top. Cover and bake about 25 minutes in low oven.
• Remove casserole dish from oven. Garnish with the remaining carrot/raisin mixture and fresh cilantro sprigs. Season with salt if necessary.

BASMATI RICE WITH CARROTS, RAISINS AND SPICES (KABLI)

Steps:

• Rinse rice under running water until water is clear.
• In large bowl, cover rice with water; soak for 1 hour, drain.
• Add salt to large pot of boiling water; add rice.
• Cover and simmer until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Drain, reserving 1 cup (250 mL) cooking liquid; set liquid aside.
• Pour rice into large Dutch oven.
• In skillet, heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the oil over medium-high heat.
• Add sugar; stir until dissolved.
• Add reserved cooking liquid; bring to boil.
• Slowly pour over rice, stirring to coat.
• Stir in cardamom, cinnamon, cumin and pepper.
• Bake in 450°F (230°C) oven until water is evaporated, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 200°F (100°C); bake, covered, for 1 hour.
• Spoon into serving dish, mounding attractively.
• Meanwhile, peel and cut carrots into very thin strips or grate coarsely.
• In skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat; saute carrots and raisins until tender, about 2 minutes.
• Spoon over rice.

SABZI (SPINACH AND LAMB STEW)

Steps:

• In a large Dutch oven or similar pot, heat 1/2 cup oil over medium-high. Add the onion, garlic and chile, and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Push the vegetables to one side and add the lamb to the other. Cook until lightly browned on all sides, 3 to 8 minutes total. Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt (or 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt or fine salt) and 4 cups water, then stir and bring to a gentle boil, skimming any scum that rises to the surface. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook until the lamb is tender, 1 hour and 5 minutes to 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, in a kettle or a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water to a boil, and keep at a simmer.
• In a very large skillet with a lid, heat the remaining 1/2 cup oil over medium. Add the cilantro and garlic chives, and fry, stirring occasionally, to bring out all the flavors, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl.
• Place the same skillet over medium-high heat (no need to wash), add the chopped spinach and the just-boiled water, and cover partially. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid is gone, about 20 minutes.
• Add the lamb, 1 cup of its cooking liquid (any remaining broth can be refrigerated or frozen for another use) and the cilantro mixture to the spinach. Stir to combine well, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until all the flavors mingle, about 15 minutes. Taste, season with salt if desired and serve with challaw.