Matazeez with Spiced Lamb and Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Matazeez bread, for serving Matazeez bread, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the lamb, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the lamb evenly with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the marinated lamb to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir well. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices.
5. 5.
   Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. 6.
   Serve the spiced lamb and tomato sauce over warm matazeez bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb — For the most tender and flavorful results, choose boneless lamb cuts such as leg or shoulder. Trim any excess fat before marinating.
• Matazeez bread — If matazeez bread is not available, you can substitute it with pita bread or any other soft flatbread.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor of the tomato sauce, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
• For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper to the tomato sauce.
• Serve Matazeez with a side of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.
• Feel free to customize the spices according to your taste preferences. Add more cinnamon for a warmer flavor or increase the cumin for a stronger earthy taste.

Serving advice

Serve Matazeez hot, with the spiced lamb and tomato sauce generously spooned over the warm matazeez bread. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

Presentation advice

For an authentic Egyptian presentation, serve Matazeez family-style on a large platter, allowing everyone to tear off pieces of the matazeez bread and scoop up the spiced lamb and tomato sauce.