Eid Recipes | Moroccan Saffron Lamb

Eid al Adha 2009 is fast approaching. We plan to feature some exciting Eid recipes from around the world in this blog. So that you may try these Eid recipes for your family and friends.

Today, we feature a popular Moroccan main dish recipe that would be great for an Eid main dish. It is called the Moroccan Saffron Lamb. This meat dish is very popular during Eid in Morocco.

This Moroccan lamb recipe uses mild seasoning to allow the natural flavors of lamb and fragrant saffron to dominate the dish.

This Eid recipe is a must try for you!


Eid Recipes
Moroccan Saffron Lamb Recipe




Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 kg. (about 3.3 lb.) lamb, cut into 3" or 4" pieces
* 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon turmeric (or 1/8 teaspoon Moroccan yellow colorant)
* 1/2 teasooon saffron threads, crumbled
* 1/4 teaspoon ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 small bunch cilantro, tied into a bouquet

Preparation:

Trim excess fat from the lamb, and then mix the meat with the garlic and spices in a pressure cooker or Dutch oven. Add the butter and oil, and cook over medium heat, uncovered, for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring to lightly brown the meat. Don't allow the butter to burn.

Add the cilantro and about 3 cups of water – enough to come up the sides of the meat but not enough to fully cover it. Cover the pot, and increase the heat to high.

If using a pressure cooker: When pressure has been achieved, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for about 50 minutes. Remove from the heat, and check the meat to see if it's tender and can be pulled from the bone. If more cooking is needed, add a little water if necessary, and cook with pressure for another 10 minutes. When the lamb tests done, leave the pot uncovered and reduce the liquids to a very thick sauce which covers the bottom of the pot.

If using a Dutch oven: When the liquids are boiling, reduce the heat to medium and continue simmering, covered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the lamb is tender and can be pulled from the bone. Check the level of water occasionally, adding water if needed to avoid scorching. When the lamb tests done, leave the pot uncovered and reduce the liquids to a very thick sauce which covers the bottom of the pot.

To serve: Discard the cilantro. If desired, transfer the meat to an oven-proof dish and brown lightly under a broiler to color the meat. Place the meat on a platter or preheated serving tagine, and add the sauce. Serve with bread.

Try this Eid Recipe Today!