Centrafrican Spiced Lamb Stew

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have taken the original Turkish dish, Chekdirme, and infused it with the vibrant flavors of Centrafrican cuisine. We have replaced some of the traditional Turkish spices with Centrafrican spices, such as cayenne pepper, ginger, and garlic, to create a unique fusion of flavors. Additionally, we have incorporated a variety of Centrafrican vegetables, such as bell peppers and local root vegetables, to add depth and authenticity to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Chekdirme, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 500ml (2 cups) lamb or vegetable broth 500ml (2 cups) lamb or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lamb cubes and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the cayenne pepper, ground ginger, ground coriander, and ground cumin to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
4. 4.
   Return the lamb to the pot and mix it with the onion and spice mixture.
5. 5.
   Add the diced carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and lamb or vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Centrafrican Spiced Lamb Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb — For the best results, choose lean cuts of lamb, such as leg or shoulder. Trim any excess fat before cubing the meat to ensure a healthier stew.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier stew or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
• Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a different herbaceous flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the lamb cubes in the spice mixture overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Serve the Centrafrican Spiced Lamb Stew with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preferences or seasonal availability.

Serving advice

Serve the Centrafrican Spiced Lamb Stew in deep bowls, allowing the aromatic flavors to waft through the air. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness. Accompany the stew with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Centrafrican Spiced Lamb Stew, arrange the colorful vegetables on top of the stew, creating an inviting display of flavors. Drizzle a swirl of olive oil on the surface and sprinkle some additional cayenne pepper for an extra touch of spice. Serve the stew in rustic clay bowls for an authentic Centrafrican feel.