Syrian Lamb and Eggplant Stew (Tabakh Roho)
A layered lamb and vegetable stew, traditionally made in Damascus, featuring tender lamb and a medley of vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and tomatoes, slow-cooked to perfection. It's often served with rice or bulgur.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 pound Lamb stew meat(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons Ghee or olive oil
- 2 large Onions(sliced)
- 1 pound Potatoes(peeled and sliced)
- 1 pound Eggplant(peeled and cubed)
- 1 pound Zucchini(thickly sliced)
- 2 pounds Tomatoes(cubed)
- 1 optional Green chile pepper(for a touch of heat)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 1/4 cup Water
- 6 cloves Garlic(crushed)
- 3 tablespoons Dried mint
- 1 teaspoon Allspice(ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon(ground)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cloves(ground)
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg(ground)
- 1 pinch Cardamom(ground)
- to taste Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat ghee or olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and cook until evenly browned. Season with allspice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom. Mix well.
- 2
Layer the sliced onions over the lamb. Top with layers of potato, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes. Repeat the vegetable layers until all are used, ending with tomatoes on top. Place the chile pepper (if using) in the center of the tomatoes.
💡 Tip: Do not stir the layers. - 3
Season the layers with salt. Dilute the tomato paste in water and pour it over the vegetables. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender.
- 4
In a mortar and pestle, crush together the garlic, a pinch of salt, and the dried mint. Mix with 2 tablespoons of liquid from the pot, and drop by spoonfuls over the vegetables in the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes more.
- 5
To serve, gently tip the pot and let the stew slide out into a wide serving dish, maintaining the layers. Serve hot with steamed rice or bulgur.
💡 Tip: Some variations suggest serving with a dollop of yogurt.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The layering is key to the presentation of this dish.
- ✓Ensure vegetables are cut to similar thicknesses for even cooking.
- ✓Adjust spices to your personal preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- Serve with a side of plain yogurt or a mint-yogurt sauce.