Lamb and Okra Stew

Old Middle Eastern family recipe, one of my favorites. A mildly spiced lamb stew is served over rice pilaf in this homey main dish.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Calories: 552 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup crushed garlic
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
• 1 teaspoon ground dried turmeric
• 2 pounds cubed leg of lamb meat
• 1 pound baby okra
• 1 cup thin egg noodles
• 2 cups long grain rice

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, and cook until transparent. Add the cubed lamb, and cook until browned on all sides. Season with cumin, mint, turmeric and rosemary. Cook for another 5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste and okra. Combine the lemon juice and water, and stir into the skillet. Cover, and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the egg noodles, and saute until toasted. Pour in the chicken broth and water, and bring to a boil. Stir in rice, cover and simmer over low heat until the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and stir in olive oil before serving. Serve the lamb stew over the rice pilaf.