Dimlama
Dimlama is a flavorful, slow-cooked stew popular across Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan. It's a harmonious blend of meat (typically lamb or beef) and a variety of vegetables, simmered in their own juices, creating a rich and tender dish. It's often prepared during harvest season and is known for its deep, nuanced flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb or Beef(cut into large chunks)
- 3 large Onions(sliced)
- 3 medium Carrots(sliced)
- 4 medium Potatoes(cut into large chunks)
- 1/2 head Cabbage(cut into large wedges)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(sliced)
- 1 large Bell Pepper(sliced)
- 5 cloves Garlic(whole)
- 1 bunch Fresh Dill(chopped)
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Ghee or Vegetable Oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the ghee or oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat chunks and brown them on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
- 2
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Layer the vegetables over the meat in the pot: carrots, potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, and bell pepper. Add the whole garlic cloves and cumin seeds.
- 4
Sprinkle the chopped dill over the vegetables. Season each layer with salt and pepper.
- 5
Cover the pot tightly with a lid. If your lid doesn't seal well, you can place a layer of foil over the pot before putting on the lid.
💡 Tip: Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to trap the steam. - 6
Simmer over low heat for at least 1.5 hours, or until the meat is very tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Check occasionally to ensure it's not sticking, but avoid lifting the lid too often.
- 7
Once cooked, gently stir the Dimlama to combine the flavors. Serve hot, directly from the pot.
💡 Tip: Dimlama is best served with fresh bread to soak up the delicious juices.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a variety of seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
- ✓The key to Dimlama is slow cooking; do not rush the process.
- ✓This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, as the flavors meld beautifully.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or green beans.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the quantity of vegetables. Use vegetable broth if needed.
- Add a pinch of turmeric or coriander for added depth of flavor.