Burmese Lamb Curry

This is adapted from a recipe by David Lebovitz

INGREDIENTS 

1 pound stewing lamb (or substitute beef), cut into 1-inch  pieces

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon turmeric

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped

1 T garlic, finely chopped or pressed

2 T canola oil

2 1/2 cups water

1 T fish sauce

2 T fried shallots (see below)

8 small shallots, peeled and left whole

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

METHOD

Mix the beef pieces in a bowl with the salt and turmeric, massaging the salt into the meat. Chill for an hour.

Mash the ginger and garlic together in a mortar and pestle, if you have one, otherwise just chop up as finely as you can. Heat the oil in a large open saute pan or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and saute for a few minutes, stirring, until soft and fragrant.

Turn the heat up to high and add the lamb or beef and cook, stirring occasionally until browned. Add the whole shallots, water, and fish sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1 hour. If the water evaporates during the cooking, just add a bit more.

Stir in the fried shallots and chili powder. Cook another 10 minutes or so. Taste for seasoning and serve.

* To make deep-fried shallots, heat some oil and add a generous handful of finely sliced (peeled) shallots – about 1/2 cup, cooking them in a few inches of hot oil until deep golden-brown, then scoop them out and let them cool on a rack or paper towel until crisp. They can be stored in a jar for a few days if you want to do them in advance.