Omani-style Stuffed Apples

Ingredients

In the original Croatian dish, Jabučice iz Virovitice, the apples are stuffed with a mixture of ground pork, rice, and spices. The Omani adaptation replaces the pork with ground lamb and incorporates traditional Omani spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin. Additionally, the Omani version infuses the cooking broth with saffron, adding a distinct flavor and vibrant yellow color to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Jabučice iz Virovitice, so you can check it out.

• 4 medium-sized apples 4 medium-sized apples
• 250g (9 oz) ground lamb 250g (9 oz) ground lamb
• 1/2 cup (100g) fragrant rice, soaked in water for 30 minutes and drained 1/2 cup (100g) fragrant rice, soaked in water for 30 minutes and drained
• 1/4 cup (40g) raisins 1/4 cup (40g) raisins
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken or vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons toasted almonds, for garnish 2 tablespoons toasted almonds, for garnish
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or mint), for garnish Fresh herbs (such as parsley or mint), for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 15g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Wash the apples and carefully core them, leaving the bottom intact to create a cavity for the stuffing.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the ground lamb, soaked rice, raisins, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Stuff each apple with the lamb and rice mixture, pressing it gently to fill the cavity.
5. 5.
   Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and pour the saffron-infused water over them.
6. 6.
   Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the baking dish, ensuring that the liquid reaches about halfway up the apples.
7. 7.
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is cooked through.
8. 8.
   Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tops of the apples to brown slightly.
9. 9.
   Once cooked, remove the stuffed apples from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
10. 10.
    Garnish with toasted almonds and fresh herbs before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To extract the maximum flavor and color from saffron threads, soak them in warm water for at least 10 minutes before using in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground lamb with cooked chickpeas or lentils.
• For a burst of citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of grated orange zest to the stuffing mixture.
• Serve the stuffed apples with a side of fragrant saffron rice for a complete meal.
• If you don't have saffron, you can use turmeric as a substitute for color and a mild flavor.
• Experiment with different types of apples to find your favorite flavor combination.

Serving advice

Serve the Omani-style Stuffed Apples as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. The tender and aromatic apples can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a side of fragrant saffron rice for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed apples on a platter, garnished with toasted almonds and fresh herbs. The vibrant yellow color of the saffron-infused broth and the contrasting textures of the almonds and herbs will make the dish visually appealing.