Mastawa Lamb and Rice
Cooking With KidsThis traditional Afghan masterpiece offers a symphony of contrasts and textures, featuring succulent, slow-cooked lamb harmonized with rice and chickpeas in a thick, comforting stew. The inclusion of yogurt imparts a delicate tang and velvety creaminess, while the aromatic notes of dill, garlic, and orange reveal a deep, sophisticated flavor profile ideal for a festive family gathering.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
Instructions
- 1Place the meat cut into pieces, in a large pan with the onions. Add the turmeric and enough water to cover. Bring to the boil then cook gently until the meat is very tender and can easily be removed from the bones.
- 2While the meat is cooking, cut the orange peel into thin match style pieces, removing as much pith as possible. Leave to soak in a bowl of water.
- 3When the meat is tender, remove from the pan and when cool enough, remove the meat from the bones and shred the meat into strips with your hands. Return the meat to the pan.
Nutrition
- Calories
- 734
- Protein
- 47.6g
- Carbs
- 21.5g
Family cooking
Cooking With Kids
Simple ways children can join safely, with adult guidance.
Age 3-5
Small helper
- Mash soft ingredients
- Wash fruit and vegetables
Age 6-8
Kitchen explorer
- Stir a batter
- Measure simple ingredients
Chef tips
For tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat, sear the lamb cubes on high heat before adding the water and rice. This locks in the juices and creates a rich flavor profile for the whole family to enjoy. For a dairy-free version, swap the yogurt for unsweetened soy yogurt or coconut cream with a squeeze of lemon. Let the kids help by topping the dish with pomegranate seeds or toasted almonds.
Culinary reasoning
This traditional Afghan masterpiece offers a symphony of contrasts and textures, featuring succulent, slow-cooked lamb harmonized with rice and chickpeas in a thick, comforting stew. The inclusion of yogurt imparts a delicate tang and velvety creaminess, while the aromatic notes of dill, garlic, and orange reveal a deep, sophisticated flavor profile ideal for a festive family gathering.
