Lamb Stewed with Tomato and Dried Fruit Recipe

Lamb Stewed with Tomato and Dried Fruit
Recipe courtesy of Scott Leibfried[1]

• Level: Easy
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Total: 1 hr 45 min
• Prep: 15 min
• Cook: 1 hr 30 min
• Nutritional Analysis (per serving 1 of 6): Calories 662; Total Fat 45 g; Saturated Fat 17 g; Carbohydrates 37 g; Dietary Fiber 6 g; Sugar 26 g; Protein 29 g; Cholesterol 112 mg; Sodium 886 mg

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 pounds lamb stew meat
• 2 medium white onions, diced
• 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup dried currants
• 1/4 cup dried cherries
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, julienned
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Blended spices (see spice mix below)

Yogurt Sauce

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat half of the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, brown the lamb pieces in batches to develop rich color and flavor.
2. Add the diced onions to the pot and cook until soft and translucent, building a savory base.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in all the dried fruit for a sweet, tangy depth.
4. Season generously with salt and pepper, add the cinnamon stick and blended spice mix.
5. Reduce to a medium simmer and cook, partially covered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until the lamb is fork-tender and flavors have beautifully meldedperfect for a cozy gathering.

Yogurt Sauce

1. Whisk the yogurt with chopped mint and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Serve the aromatic stew topped with a cool, creamy spoonful of yogurt mixture for irresistible contrast.

Spice Mix

• 1 tablespoon cumin seed
• 2 tablespoons cardamom seed
• 2 tablespoons coriander seed
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• Toast all the whole spices in a shallow saut pan over medium heat until fragrant and irresistible. Let cool, then grind to a fine powder in a spice or coffee grinder.

This professional chef's recipe promises tender lamb infused with warm spices and sweet fruitideal for home cooks ready to impress. Note: Not adapted for home testing.