It was this article - Lamb Finds a Match in a Fragrant, Earthy Chili which got me started in the direction. We buy minced lamb from Whole Foods and generally cook it this way. But this time lamb was bought which this recipe in mind.
The taste of the chili at lunch the next day was so much better and I assure you it was not the hunger. A crusty piece of bread to mop up the juices was all that was needed. The kids loved it too. I finally realize that chili needs chili powder the red spicy kind to make it tasty.
Recipe Source: Lamb and White Bean Chili
We used the Red Kidney beans we had on hand instead of the white beans the recipe called for.
Lamb and Bean Chili
Ingredients
1. 1 lb minced lamb
2. 1 1/3 cup of dried bean or 3 1/2 cup of cooked beans
3. 1 large onion chopped
4. 2 bell peppers seeded and diced
5. 5 cloves garlic chopped
6. 3 jalapeno pepper chopped fine
7. 1/2 cup worth of chopped cilantro
8. 1 1/2 tbsp of tomato paste
9. 3/4 tbsp chili powder (taste and add according to tolerance level)
10. 3 tsp coriander seeds + 1 tsp cumin seeds - roasted and powdered
11. salt to taste
12. 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp safflower oil (use any oil you choose) or 2 tbsp of olive oil
13. 2 tsp of black pepper powder + 1 tsp salt
14. lime wedges
Method
1. In a dutch oven or a hard bottomed wide mouthed pan heat half the oil and add the minced lamb and let it brown. Add the black pepper and salt and set it aside.
2. Now add the rest of the oil onions and bell pepper and let them soften (6-8 minutes).
3. Add in the cilantro leaves and let the leaves wilt. Add in the garlic and jalapeno and let them cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the coriander, cumin and chili powders mix them in well. Add the tomato paste and let it mix and cook for 5-6 minutes.
5. Now add 4 cups of water and the cooked lamb and salt let it cook for 45 minutes to an hour.
6. Serve with a squeeze of lime.
I feel the lamb has a different smell that I personally do not like when compared to the goat meat. Is there a difference that you notice OR do you like it better than the goat kheema? Please let me know Indo, my husband insists we try it out. I have had it at my friends place and did`nt seem to like the flavor or maybe its the way he made it too.
ReplyDeleteSounds so filling and comforting. Nice recipe. YUM!
ReplyDeleteCilantro, I totally understand what you mean. I kept away from lamb meat for the longest time because of that.
ReplyDeleteIt is slightly tougher than goat meat maybe but I really can't tell the difference. The one from Whole Foods hardly has any smell so once cooked it is hard to tell the difference.
i have been thinking chili too. This looks great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Indo, I will buy it from Whole Foods and will let you know how it turns out.
ReplyDeleteI usually get the goat keema or the chicken keema. Never cooked lamb keema, is it more like the goat keema ?
ReplyDeleteSandeepa, I can't tell the difference once the meat is cooked. It tastes pretty much the same.
ReplyDelete