Yemeni Lamb Madfoon
Madfoon is a traditional Yemeni dish where a whole lamb or goat is slow-cooked in an underground oven (tandoor) or a specially constructed pit. The meat becomes incredibly tender and infused with smoky flavors. This recipe adapts the method for a conventional oven, focusing on achieving a similar tenderness and depth of flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 about 8-10 lbs Whole lamb or goat(cleaned and butterflied)
- 4 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 20 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 4 tbsp Hawaij spice blend
- 2 tbsp Turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp Cumin powder
- 2 tbsp Coriander powder
- 10 pods Cardamom pods(crushed)
- 3 sticks Cinnamon sticks
- 10 whole Cloves
- 1 tbsp Black peppercorns
- 3 tbsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 cup Ghee or clarified butter(melted)
- 1 large Banana leaves or parchment paper(for wrapping)
- 1 large amount Charcoal or wood(for traditional oven (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, Hawaij spice blend, turmeric, cumin, coriander, crushed cardamom, cinnamon sticks, cloves, black peppercorns, and salt. Mix well to form a paste.
💡 Tip: Ensure all spices are fresh for maximum flavor. - 2
Marinate the lamb: Generously rub the spice paste all over the cleaned and butterflied lamb, ensuring it gets into all crevices. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
⏱️ 4 hours to overnight - 3
Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). If using a traditional underground oven, prepare your charcoal or wood fire to create a bed of hot embers.
💡 Tip: A lower temperature for a longer time is key to tenderizing the meat. - 4
Wrap the lamb: Lay out banana leaves or parchment paper large enough to wrap the entire lamb. Place the marinated lamb on the leaves/paper. Top with the sliced onions.
- 5
Secure the wrapping: Tightly wrap the lamb in the banana leaves or parchment paper, ensuring it is well-sealed to prevent moisture loss. You can secure it with kitchen twine.
💡 Tip: Double-wrap if using parchment paper for extra protection. - 6
Cook the lamb: Place the wrapped lamb in a large roasting pan. If using a conventional oven, roast for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone. If using a traditional underground oven, bury the wrapped lamb in the hot embers and cook for 5-6 hours.
⏱️ 4-6 hours💡 Tip: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the lamb and the oven. - 7
Rest the lamb: Once cooked, carefully remove the lamb from the oven or pit. Let it rest, still wrapped, for at least 30 minutes before unwrapping.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 8
Serve: Unwrap the lamb and serve hot, often with mandi rice, flatbread, and a side of tomato or chili sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to Madfoon is slow cooking at a low temperature to achieve maximum tenderness.
- ✓Ensure the lamb is thoroughly cleaned and any excess fat is trimmed.
- ✓Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
- ✓If banana leaves are unavailable, parchment paper and aluminum foil can be used, though the flavor may differ slightly.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use goat instead of lamb for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add potatoes or other root vegetables to the wrapping for a one-pot meal.