I recently discovered a delicious Yemeni lamb kabsa recipe that has quickly become one of my favorite dishes to make at home. This traditional Yemeni dish is made with fragrant basmati rice, tender lamb, and a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
During my trip to Tel Aviv, Israel, I had the pleasure of visiting my friend’s Yemenite-Jew family. His mother, who is an excellent cook, invited me for lunch. The main dish she prepared was Yemeni lamb kabsa, which was delicious.
After I finished my meal, I asked his mother for the recipe. She was very flattered and happily shared her recipe with me. Here are some of the ingredients that the recipe contained: lamb shanks, avocado oil, basmati rice, water, yellow onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, tomato paste, limes, cardamom pods, and spices.
The recipe was straightforward to follow, and the result was a delicious and aromatic dish that I will always remember.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to pairing lamb kabsa, there are a few dishes that come to mind that complement the flavors of the dish. Here are some of my favorite pairing suggestions:
- Mint Yogurt Sauce: This refreshing sauce pairs perfectly with the rich and savory flavors of the lamb kabsa. Simply mix plain yogurt, chopped fresh mint, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice to create a delicious and cooling sauce.
- Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad is a great way to add some freshness and crunch to your meal. Slice cucumbers thinly and toss with a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Ful Medames: This Egyptian dish of mashed fava beans is a great side dish for lamb kabsa. The creamy texture and earthy flavors of the ful medames complement the rich and hearty flavors of the lamb.
- Lentil Soup: A warm bowl of lentil soup is the perfect way to start your meal. The earthy flavors of the lentils and spices are a great match for the lamb kabsa.
Overall, these dishes are a great way to round out your meal and enhance the flavors of the Yemeni lamb kabsa.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks (approx. 4-5 lbs)
- 1/4 cup of avocado oil
- 3 cups of basmati rice
- 5 1/2 cups of water
- 3 large chopped yellow onions
- 6 minced cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of minced ginger
- 4 finely chopped medium tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of tomato paste
- 5 cardamom pods
- 2 dried limes
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cloves
- 3 teaspoons of whole black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons of ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2-1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 1 cup of chopped cilantro, scallions and mint
- 3 sliced Thai chili peppers
- 1 finely sliced small onion
- 1/2 cup of toasted almonds, pine nuts, and pistachio
How to Make Yemeni Lamb Kabsa Recipe?
- First, get a big pot and bring the water to a boil. Toss in the cleaned and trimmed lamb shanks and let them boil for 10 minutes to get rid of any impurities. Once done, drain the water, take the lamb out of the pot, and set it aside.
- Then, in a medium pot on medium-high heat, warm up some avocado oil. When it’s hot, throw in the onions and cook them until they turn see-through. After that, add ginger, garlic, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes, and let it all cook for five minutes to get the juices out.
- Put in both the whole and ground spices and stir them around for another two minutes.
- Next, put the lamb shanks back in the pot and cover them with the sauce. Pour in water until the lamb is covered. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about two hours or until the lamb is nice and tender.
- When the lamb’s done, take it out along with the aromatics from the pot. Use a strainer to filter the stock.
- Sear the lamb shanks until they’re all nicely browned on the outside.
- Next, wash the basmati rice and strained stock. Mix it up and let it all come to a boil.
- Turn the heat down low, cover the pot tightly, and let the rice cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
- Once you turn off the heat, keep the lid on and let the rice sit for another 10 minutes. After that, use a fork to fluff it up.
- To finish the dish, add chopped onion, herbs, and chili peppers.
- Put the rice on a serving plate and place the browned lamb shanks on top.
- Finally, sprinkle the rest of the raisins, toasted nuts, fried onions, and cilantro on top.
Overall, this Yemeni lamb kabsa recipe is a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
Storage and Reheating Tips
When it comes to storing leftovers, it is important to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the food from spoiling and keep it fresh for up to three days.
To reheat the kabsa, I recommend using the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, cover the container with a damp paper towel to prevent the rice from drying out. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature.
If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to the kabsa to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Heat it on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through.
It is important to note that reheating the lamb kabsa multiple times can affect its quality and taste. Therefore, I suggest only reheating it once and consuming it within three days of cooking.
Overall, following these simple storage and reheating tips will ensure that your Yemeni lamb kabsa remains fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Conclusion
Preparing the Yemeni lamb kabsa recipe is a delightful experience, and the outcome is a dish that is packed with flavors and aromas. The combination of spices and herbs with tender lamb meat, basmati rice, and vegetables creates a rich and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
One of the things I love about this recipe is the flexibility it offers. You can adjust the amount of spices and herbs to suit your taste, and you can also add or remove vegetables depending on what you have on hand or what you prefer. Additionally, you can use different cuts of lamb meat, such as shoulder or leg, depending on your preference.
When it comes to serving lamb kabsa, there are numerous options. You can serve it with a side of salad, yogurt, or pickles. You can also add some toasted nuts, such as almonds or pine nuts, for some extra crunch and flavor.
Overall, I highly recommend trying out this recipe if you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, and the result is sure to impress your family and friends. So, grab your apron and get cooking!
As mentioned above, ful medames pairs this dish perfectly.
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