Lamb Stew With Saffron Recipes

LAMB STEW WITH SAFFRON

Steps:

• Place saffron threads, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, garlic, parsley and 1 tbsp sea salt in a mortar. Pound with a pestle into a rough paste. Transfer to a bowl then add 100ml warm water.
• Heat oil in a large saucepan or cast-iron casserole dish over medium heat. Fry the lamb in batches for 5-7 minutes or until browned on all sides. Transfer to a large bowl.
• Fry capsicum, onion and carrot in the saucepan for 10-12 minutes or until softened. Add tomato and cook for 5 minutes.
• Return the lamb to the saucepan. Add spice-and-water mix and wine, and stir well. Bring mixture to boil, cover and simmer for 1 hour over low heat, adding a little more water if necessary. Add the potato and cook for 30 minutes or until the lamb is tender, the potato is cooked and sauce is thickened. Serve with steamed rice.

SICILIAN LAMB SPEZZATINO WITH SAFFRON AND MINT

Steps:

• Season chops generously with salt and pepper. Put olive oil in a wide deep skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brown lamb on both sides, then remove and set aside. Lower heat to medium, add onion to pan and season with salt. Cook, stirring, until softened and lightly colored, about 5 minutes.
• Stir garlic, saffron and tomato paste into onions and cook 1 minute. Add wine and simmer for 2 minutes, then return lamb to skillet. Add 4 cups water, just to cover meat, and bring to a boil. Put on lid, turn heat to low and simmer gently for about 45 minutes, until quite tender.
• Remove lid and raise heat to a rapid simmer. Simmer until juices have reduced by nearly half and sauce has thickened somewhat (may be prepared ahead to this point). Taste and adjust seasoning. Just before serving, reheat and stir in chopped mint.

LAMB STEW WITH LEMON AND FIGS

Steps:

• Set strainer lined with double layer of cheesecloth over medium bowl. Place yogurt in strainer; cover and chill 3 to 5 hours to drain. Transfer yogurt to small bowl. Stir in mint; season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill.)
• Place 1/2 cup warm water and saffron in small bowl; let stand at least 20 minutes to infuse.
• Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook lamb until brown on all sides, adding more oil as needed, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer lamb to large bowl. Pour all but 1 tablespoon fat from pot (or add 1 tablespoon oil if dry); heat pot over medium heat. Add onions; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add lemon, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne. Stir 1 minute. Add saffron mixture; stir, scraping up browned bits. Add tomatoes with juice, figs, and lamb with any juices to pot. Stir to coat. Add 2 1/2 cups broth.
• Bring stew to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, then cover with lid slightly ajar and simmer until meat is tender, stirring occasionally and adding more broth by 1/4 cupfuls as needed if dry, about 1 1/2 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and chill.)
• Bring stew to simmer, thinning with more chicken broth if necessary. Divide stew among 6 plates; top each serving with dollop of minted yogurt. Place wedge of Crispy Noodle Cake alongside each and serve.