Baked Lamb with Rice

Baked Lamb with Rice is a flavorful and protein-rich Lebanese dish that combines tender lamb with aromatic rice, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, bursting with spices and authentic Middle Eastern flavors.

Ingredients

• Lamb shoulder - 300 grams, cut into cubes
• Basmati rice - 150 grams, rinsed and drained
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1 teaspoon
• Cardamom - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Chicken or lamb broth - 500 milliliters
• Pine nuts - 30 grams, toasted (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the cubed lamb to the skillet and brown on all sides for about 8-10 minutes.
5. Stir in the diced tomato, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the spices are fragrant.
6. In a baking dish, spread the rinsed basmati rice evenly on the bottom. Pour the lamb mixture over the rice, spreading it evenly.
7. Pour the chicken or lamb broth over the lamb and rice mixture, ensuring the rice is covered with liquid.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
10. Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and zinc from lamb.

Tags