Murag Lahm
Iraqi Lamb Stew
Murag Lahm is a hearty and flavorful Iraqi lamb stew, slow-cooked with aromatic spices and tender vegetables. It's a comforting dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Mesopotamia, often served with rice or flatbread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder or leg(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tsp Baharat spice blend
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 3 tbsp Tomato paste
- 400 g Diced tomatoes(canned)
- 6 cups Water or lamb broth
- 250 g Okra(fresh or frozen, trimmed)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley or cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the lamb cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb cubes in batches until well-seared on all sides. Remove lamb from the pot and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the baharat, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly.
- 5
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes and pour in the water or lamb broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the lamb is tender.
- 6
Add the okra to the stew. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro. This stew is traditionally served with rice or Iraqi flatbread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use lamb broth instead of water.
- ✓If using frozen okra, add it directly to the stew without thawing.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your preference. Baharat is a versatile Middle Eastern spice blend.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like diced potatoes, carrots, or eggplant along with the okra.
- For a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes with the other spices.