Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion large, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 3 cardamom pods
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1 1/2 pounds lamb cubed
  • salt
  • 1 pound tomatoes ripe
  • 1/4 cup low fat yogurt
  • 1 serrano pepper optional
  • 1 cup rice uncooked, soaked
  • pepper to taste

Method

  • Saute the onion in the olive oil until soft and transparent. Stir the spices into the oil to release the flavors. Cook for a minute or two.
  • Raise the heat and add the lamb, sprinkling with salt. Saute until browned on all sides.
  • Whirl the fresh tomatoes in a food processor or blender until nearly smooth, and add to the meat. Stir in the water, yogurt, garlic and serrano pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Cover and simmer about 2 hours until the meat is tender. The tomato sauce will reduce somewhat.
  • After cooking 2 hours, measure the liquid. The amount of rice that needs to be added is based on the amount of liquid. Example: If sauce has 2 cups of liquid; then add 1 cup of rice. Can add more water if needed. Add rice and bring back to a boil. Cover saucepan with a dish towel (to absorb moisture) and replace lid. Simmer for approximately 20 minutes until moisture is gone and rice is done- do not stir.