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Lamb Over Rice

Lamb Over Rice: A Comforting Middle Eastern Classic

Lamb Over Rice is a delightful comfort food combining tender, spiced lamb and fluffy rice, perfect for cozy dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

For the Lamb
  • 2 lbs lamb shoulder or leg can substitute with beef or chicken
  • 2 tbsp olive oil can substitute with vegetable or canola oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced, or use garlic powder as substitute
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp coriander
  • 1 tbsp salt kosher salt can be used
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice vinegar can be used as substitute
For the Rice
  • 2 cups basmati or jasmine rice long-grain white rice can be substituted
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker consistency
  • ½ cup plain yogurt can substitute with sour cream if preferred
For Additional Toppings
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley or mint, based on personal preference
  • ½ cup pickled onions
  • 2 pieces lemon wedges serve on the side
  • hot sauce use as desired for added heat

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • saucepan
  • Grill
  • crockpot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Marinate the Lamb: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to create a marinade. Coat the lamb shoulder or leg generously with this mixture, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Cook the Lamb: Choose your preferred cooking method for the lamb. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high, skewer the marinated lamb, and grill for about 8-10 minutes until cooked through. For sautéing, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, cook the lamb for 6-8 minutes until browned. Alternatively, slow-cook the lamb in a crockpot on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes to fluff the rice.
  4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, plain yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Assemble the Dish: In bowls, scoop a generous amount of fluffy rice, top with cooked lamb, drizzle creamy garlic sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley and mint. Add pickled onions, lemon wedges, or hot sauce as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Marinate the lamb at least 2 hours for better flavor, choose a cooking method that suits your preference, and store components separately if making ahead.

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