Yemeni Lamb Moukhbaza
A rich and aromatic lamb stew, slow-cooked in a savory tomato and spice broth, offering a deeply satisfying flavor profile characteristic of Yemeni cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb(cubed, with bone for more flavor)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1.5 inch Ginger(grated)
- 4 tbsp Ghee or vegetable oil
- 1.5 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp Fenugreek seeds
- 4 pods Cardamom pods
- 1 small Cinnamon stick
- 3 whole Cloves
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 cups Water or lamb broth
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the ghee or oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb pieces and sear them on all sides until browned. Remove the lamb and set aside.
- 2
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, fenugreek seeds, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are aromatic.
- 4
Add the crushed tomatoes, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 5
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Pour in the water or lamb broth, ensuring the lamb is mostly submerged. Bring the stew to a boil.
- 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is very tender and falling off the bone. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7
Once the lamb is tender, remove the lid and let the stew simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency. Remove whole spices before serving.
- 8
Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot, typically with rice or Yemeni flatbread like Lahoh.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using lamb with bones will add more depth of flavor to the stew.
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the lamb in some of the spices for 30 minutes before searing.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more hot water or broth.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced carrots or potatoes during the last hour of cooking for a heartier stew.
- A pinch of saffron can be added for a more luxurious aroma and color.