Makhlu Lamb and Vegetables
A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender lamb stewed with a variety of vegetables and aromatic spices, often enjoyed during special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 medium Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 0.5 medium Cabbage(cut into wedges)
- 1 liter Vegetable broth
- 4 tablespoons Peanut butter(smooth)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb pieces on all sides. Remove lamb and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down.
- 4
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the lamb and vegetables.
💡 Tip: Toast spices briefly for enhanced flavor. - 5
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour, or until the lamb is tender.
- 6
Add carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the root vegetables are tender.
- 7
Add the cabbage wedges to the pot. Stir in the peanut butter until well combined. Cover and cook for a final 10-15 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with rice or couscous.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure lamb is browned well for depth of flavor.
- ✓Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- ✓Don't overcook the cabbage; it should retain some crispness.
🔄 Variations
- Substitute beef or chicken for lamb.
- Add other vegetables like okra or bell peppers.
- For a richer sauce, use a bit more peanut butter.