Libyan Lamb and Rice with Herbs and Spices
Roz bel Lahm wal Aushab
A fragrant and flavorful Libyan rice dish featuring tender lamb, aromatic herbs, and a blend of warm spices, often prepared for special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 500 g Basmati rice(rinsed and drained)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned crushed)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 liter Chicken or lamb broth
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 1 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 Bay leaves
- 4 Cardamom pods
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 50 g Almonds(slivered, toasted for garnish)
- 50 g Raisins(for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb cubes on all sides. Remove lamb and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 4
Return the lamb to the pot. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cardamom pods. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Toast spices briefly before adding for enhanced flavor. - 5
Pour in the broth, ensuring the lamb is mostly submerged. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour, or until lamb is tender.
- 6
Stir in the rinsed rice, chopped cilantro, and parsley. Ensure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid. Add more broth or water if needed.
💡 Tip: The liquid should be about 1.5 cm above the rice level. - 7
Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
- 8
Let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes off the heat before fluffing with a fork. Remove cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cardamom pods.
- 9
Serve the lamb and rice hot, garnished with toasted slivered almonds and optional raisins.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use lamb broth instead of chicken broth.
- ✓Adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your preference.
- ✓Ensure the rice is properly rinsed to remove excess starch, preventing a gummy texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of saffron for a more vibrant color and aroma.
- Incorporate other vegetables like diced carrots or peas during the last 20 minutes of rice cooking.
- Serve with a side of plain yogurt or a simple salad.