Kuzu İskender Pilavı

Kuzu İskender Pilavı is a rich and flavorful Turkish rice dish featuring tender lamb served over a bed of fluffy rice, all drizzled with a tangy tomato sauce and a hint of yogurt. This dish embodies the essence of Turkish cuisine with its aromatic spices and hearty ingredients.

Ingredients

• Lamb shoulder - 300 grams, cubed
• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1, diced
• Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon
• Yogurt - 100 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin - 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon
• Water - 400 milliliters
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the cubed lamb shoulder to the pot, browning it on all sides. Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika.
3. Stir in the diced tomato and red bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until they soften.
4. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lamb is tender.
5. While the lamb is cooking, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate pot, bring 300 milliliters of water to a boil.
6. Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork.
7. Once the lamb is tender, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the lamb mixture over the fluffy rice, drizzling some of the sauce on top.
8. Add a dollop of yogurt on the side and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 670
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 75 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from lamb, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil, promoting heart health.

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