Armenian Lamb Stew Recipes

BAMYA ( LAMB OR BEEF AND OKRA STEW)

Steps:

• Okra must be cooked so that its slimy texture is eliminated.
• The Greeks have the best technique for achieving this.
• Trim the conical tops with a sharp knife, then soak the okra in red wine-viegar (Khall) for 30 minutes, allowing 1/2 cup vinegar per pound.
• Drain, rinse and dry the okra and proceed with the recipe.
• This dish is popular throughout the Middle East and can be prepared with lamb or beef.
• Serve with rice.
• Preheat an oven to 325 F (165 C).
• In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, warm 4 tablespoons of the butter or oil.
• Working in batches, add the meat and fry, turning, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon transfer to a baking dish or stew pot.
• Add the onions to the fat remaining in the frying pan and saute over medium heat until tender and translucent, 8-10 minutes.
• Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, tomatoes, tomato paste, the 1 cup stock and mint (if using).
• Stir well.
• Pour over the meat and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Cover and bake until all the liquid is absorbed, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings.
• Meanwhile, prepare the okra as directed in the note above.
• In a saute pan over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons butter or oil Add the okra and saute for 3 mins, stirring gently.
• Remove the stew from the oven and arrange the okra on top in a spoke pattern.
• Sprinkle the lemon juice evenly over the surface.
• Re-cover the dish and return it to the oven.
• Bake for 35 minutes longer.
• Add stock or water if the mixture seems too dry.
• Serve the"BAMIA" stew piping hot.

ARMENIAN PUMPKIN AND LAMB STEW

Steps:

• Cut the pumpkin into 2 to 3 inch chunks, leaving skin on. Brush with oil & roast at 400 degrees F skin side up about 30 minutes until softened & browned. Remove from oven & set aside to cool.
• Combine coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin and clove in a spice mill
• or coffee grinder. Grind until smooth. Set aside. Head a tblsp of oil
• in large, heavy-bottom saucepan. Add the lamb in one layer. Sprinkle with
• the spice mixture. Seer over medium heat until lightly browned, about 3-5
• minutes. Remove the lamb from the pan and set aside.
• Add the onion and garlic to the pan. Saute, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, celery root, tomatoes, and acorn squash. Add the broth. Return lamb to the pan. Partly cover and gently simmer until the lamb is tender, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• While the stew is simmering, peel the skin from the roasted pumpkin & add to the stew in the last 1/2 hour of cooking.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Cook the rice according to package directions, set aside.
• Divide the rice among warmed bowls. Ladle the stew over the rice. Garnish with coriander and parsley. Serve immediately.