Yemeni Lamb Stew

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp ghee or clarified butter
• 1 whole large yellow onion
• 4 whole garlic cloves
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger
• 3 whole medium tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1.5 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground fenugreek
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 3 cups water
• 4 whole large eggs
• 3 tbsp ghee or butter for egg mixture
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat the 1.5 lb lamb shoulder pieces completely dry with paper towels — dry meat browns better, creating a flavorful crust. Peel and dice the large yellow onion into 0.5-inch pieces. Peel and mince 4 garlic cloves. Grate the 1-inch piece of fresh ginger on a microplane. Dice the 3 medium tomatoes into rough 0.75-inch chunks, or you can use canned whole tomatoes if preferred.

2. 2

   Set a heavy-bottomed 6-quart Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add 3 tbsp of ghee and let it heat for 1 minute until shimmering — you should see wisps of steam rising from the surface. Working in two batches, add the dried lamb cubes in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Let each batch sit undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deeply golden on the first side, then turn and brown for another 2-3 minutes. You want a rich mahogany color, not gray — this takes patience but builds deep flavor. Transfer the browned lamb to a plate.

3. 3

   Lower the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent around the edges. You'll smell the sweetness of caramelizing onions. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant — stop just before the garlic begins to brown.

4. 4

   Add 1.5 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 0.5 tsp ground fenugreek, 0.5 tsp turmeric powder, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute, coating all the onions — this blooming technique releases the spices' essential oils and deepens their flavor. The whole pot should smell warm and complex.

5. 5

   Stir in 2 tbsp of tomato paste, mixing it into the spices for 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes (or canned whole tomatoes, breaking them up as you add them), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon — those flavorful bits add body to the sauce. Return the browned lamb to the pot, nestling the pieces into the tomato mixture.

6. 6

   Pour in 3 cups of water — the liquid should come about three-quarters up the sides of the lamb. Season with 1 tsp of sea salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover partially with a lid (tilt it slightly so steam can escape) and simmer gently for 50-60 minutes. The lamb is done when a fork passes through a piece with almost no resistance and the meat is tender enough to break apart easily. The sauce should be slightly thickened and rich.

7. 7

   While the lamb is finishing, make the egg topping. Crack 4 large eggs into a small bowl and beat them lightly with a fork until the whites and yolks are just combined — don't overbeat. Set aside.

8. 8

   When the lamb is tender, taste the sauce. It should be savory and deeply spiced. Add a pinch more salt if needed. Gently pour the beaten eggs in a thin, steady stream over the surface of the hot stew, stirring very gently as you pour — the eggs will cook into creamy, soft curds. Stop stirring after the eggs are all added and let them sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes. The residual heat will continue cooking them, creating a silky texture.

9. 9

   Drizzle 3 tbsp of ghee or butter over the top of the egg mixture — don't stir. This enriches the dish and adds a glossy, luxurious finish. Tear or chop 0.25 cup of fresh cilantro and 0.25 cup of fresh parsley and scatter over the top.

10. 10

    Serve the saltah family-style directly from the pot (it's traditional and warm), or ladle into deep bowls, making sure each person gets lamb, creamy sauce, and a portion of the egg topping. Saltah is traditionally served with warm naan bread, pita, or torn flatbread for scooping. Enjoy while steaming hot — the eggs will continue to set slightly as it cools.

Tools you’ll need

• 6-quart Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot with lid
• paper towels
• cutting board
• chef's knife
• microplane grater
• wooden spoon
• small bowl
• fork
• instant-read thermometer (optional, for checking lamb doneness)

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