Uzbek Lamb and Apricot Stew
Khoresh-e Goosht-o Zardaloo
A fragrant and tender lamb stew, slow-cooked with sweet dried apricots, warming spices, and a hint of saffron, showcasing the rich flavors of Uzbek cuisine. This dish is a delightful balance of savory and sweet, often served during special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 large Onions, thinly sliced
- 5 Garlic cloves, minced
- 200 g Dried apricots, halved
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or lamb fat
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1.5 tsp Cumin seeds, toasted and ground
- 1 tsp Coriander seeds, toasted and ground
- 0.5 tsp Saffron threads, steeped in 2 tbsp warm water
- 750 ml Beef or lamb broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Fresh mint, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the lamb cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Pro Tips: Drying the lamb ensures a better sear. - 2
Heat the oil or lamb fat in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the browned lamb and set aside.
💡 Pro Tips: Browning the lamb develops deep flavor. - 3
Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook over medium heat until softened and lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Pro Tips: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 4
Stir in the turmeric, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
💡 Pro Tips: Toasting the spices briefly enhances their aroma. - 5
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Pour in the beef or lamb broth and the steeped saffron water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
💡 Pro Tips: Ensure the lamb is mostly submerged in the liquid. - 6
Cover the pot and simmer gently for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the lamb is tender.
💡 Pro Tips: Low and slow cooking is key for tender lamb. - 7
Add the halved dried apricots to the stew. Stir to combine. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the apricots are plump and the sauce has thickened slightly.
💡 Pro Tips: Apricots will absorb liquid and add sweetness. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Stir in most of the fresh cilantro and mint, reserving some for garnish.
💡 Pro Tips: Fresh herbs added at the end brighten the flavors. - 9
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining cilantro and mint. This stew is traditionally served with plain rice or flatbread.
💡 Pro Tips: A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream can be a nice accompaniment.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use lamb broth instead of beef broth.
- ✓If you don't have dried apricots, you can use dried plums (prunes) for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
- ✓Ensure your spices are fresh for the best aroma and taste.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warmer spice note.
- Include a few whole cardamom pods during the simmering process for an extra layer of aroma.
- For a touch of acidity, add a tablespoon of lemon juice just before serving.