Uzbek Dimlama
Dimlama is a hearty and flavorful Uzbek stew where meat and a variety of vegetables are layered and slow-cooked in their own juices. This method results in incredibly tender meat and deeply infused vegetables, creating a rich, comforting dish perfect for family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb or beef(cut into large chunks (e.g., lamb shanks, ox cheek, or beef chuck))
- 4 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 5 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into 2.5cm pieces)
- 1 kg Potatoes(starchy, peeled and cut into medium-sized chunks)
- 500 g Tomatoes(quartered)
- 3 any color Bell peppers(sliced lengthways)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 small Cabbage(separated into large leaves)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tbsp Black pepper(coarsely ground, or to taste)
- 1 tbsp Cumin seeds
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 cup Water(or as needed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the meat dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-based pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
- 2
Add half of the sliced onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Spread the onions evenly over the bottom of the pot.
- 3
Return the meat to the pot. Begin layering the vegetables on top of the meat in the following order: remaining onions, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, minced garlic, and potatoes. Season each layer lightly with salt, pepper, and cumin seeds.
- 4
Place the cabbage leaves over the top layer of vegetables. Add the bay leaves. Pour in the cup of water (or enough to barely cover the bottom of the pot). Cover the pot tightly with a lid.
- 5
Simmer on low heat for at least 3 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender and the vegetables are soft. Check periodically and add a little more water if it seems too dry, but the goal is for it to cook in its own juices. Gently stir the stew before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure slow, even cooking.
- ✓Don't stir the pot during the initial cooking process to allow the layers to steam properly.
- ✓Dimlama is often better the next day, as the flavors meld further.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or quince.
- A vegetarian version can be made using only vegetables and vegetable broth.