Lamb Stir-Fry with Pomegranate and Yogurt
(From March 2014 Bon Appétit)
Yield: 4 servings
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
2 t cumin seeds
1 t coriander seeds
1.5 lbs boneless leg of lamb, thinly sliced against the grain
1 t paprika
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 T red wine vinegar
4 T EVOO divided
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
½ c plain Greek yogurt (full fat)
1 med red onion, cut into 1/2 “ wedges
Cooked rice (for serving)
¼ c pomegranate seeds
2 T chopped pistachios
Fresh oregano, mint, and/or cilantro leaves (for serving)
Preparation:
Toast cumin and coriander seeds in small dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Let cool, then finely chop. Toss lamb with cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, vinegar, and 2 T oil in large bowl to coat; season with salt and pepper. Cover an chill at least 15 minutes or as much as 1 day ahead.
Whisk yogurt and 1 T water in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper.
Heat remaining 2 T oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook lamb, tossing occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes per batch; transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.
Add onion to skillet and cook, stirring often, until beginning to brown and soften, about 3 minutes. Add ½ c water; season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender and water is evaporated, about 3 minutes. Return lamb to skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve lamb over rice, topped with yogurt, pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and herbs.
JEC Notes:
1. For CADS (6 people), I doubled the recipe thinking I could eat the leftovers later. About 1/4 was left over. But since yogurt is mixed with the lamb, heating it is touchy. At any rate, I think the original recipe would work well for 6 people (1/4 lb lamb each), especially if a vegetable such as cooked carrots were added.
2. I used Jasmine rice (2.25 c rice plus 4.5 c water in rice cooker). It seems to work well with this recipe.
3. The lamb was purchased at Draeger’s.
4. The pomegranate seeds were purchased already "shelled" at Trader Joe’s.