Serves 4
1 pound stewing lamb
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 fresh or dried chile
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, plus extra for serving
21/2 cups beef stock, chicken stock, or coconut milk
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons chopped scallion
21/2 cups basmati rice
Scallion strips, to garnish
Cut the lamb into cubes and place in a dish. Add the curry powder, onion, garlic, herbs, and chile, and stir well. Cover with plastic wrap and leave to marinate for 1 hour.
Melt the butter or margarine in a pan and fry the lamb for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour in the stock or coconut milk, bring to a boil, then lower the heat, and simmer for 35 minutes, or until tender.
Add the black pepper, tomatoes, sugar, chopped scallion, and rice. Stir well and reduce the heat. Make sure that the rice is covered by 1 inch of liquid; add a little water if necessary. Cover the pan; simmer the pelau for 25 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is cooked. Spoon into a serving bowl and stir in a little extra butter or margarine. Garnish with scallion strips and serve.
Metro Creative Graphics Inc.
