Nyekoe with a Jordanian Twist

Ingredients

In this Jordanian adaptation of Nyekoe, the traditional Ghanaian dish is transformed by incorporating Jordanian spices and flavors. The original dish typically features a tomato-based sauce with a variety of vegetables and protein. However, in this version, the focus is on spiced lamb stew cooked with Jordanian spices, served alongside fragrant rice infused with aromatic spices and garnished with toasted nuts and herbs. We alse have the original recipe for Nyekoe, so you can check it out.

• For the spiced lamb stew: For the spiced lamb stew:
• 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 of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 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
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish
• For the fragrant rice: For the fragrant rice:
• 1 cup (200g) basmati rice 1 cup (200g) basmati rice
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cardamom pods 2 cardamom pods
• 2 cloves 2 cloves
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Toasted almonds, for garnish Toasted almonds, for garnish
• Fresh mint, for garnish Fresh mint, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the cubed lamb to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
4. 4.
   Pour in enough water to cover the lamb, then bring to a boil. 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.
5. 5.
   While the lamb stew is simmering, prepare the fragrant rice. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
6. 6.
   In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf, and cook for a minute until fragrant.
7. 7.
   Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains with the butter and spices.
8. 8.
   Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
9. 9.
   Once the lamb stew is ready, squeeze in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. 10.
    Serve the spiced lamb stew over a bed of fragrant rice. Garnish with fresh parsley, toasted almonds, and fresh mint.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb — For tender and flavorful meat, choose boneless lamb shoulder or leg. Trim any excess fat before cubing the meat.
• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains. Soaking the rice for 30 minutes before cooking can also enhance its texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the lamb cubes in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a milder spiced stew, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
• Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown for a crunchy and nutty garnish.
• Serve the Nyekoe with a side of yogurt or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a delicious next-day meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Nyekoe with a Jordanian Twist hot, allowing the fragrant aromas to fill the air. Place a generous portion of the spiced lamb stew on a bed of fragrant rice, and garnish with fresh parsley, toasted almonds, and fresh mint. Accompany the dish with warm pita bread or flatbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To present the Nyekoe with a Jordanian Twist beautifully, use a large serving platter or individual plates. Arrange the fragrant rice in a mound and place the spiced lamb stew on top. Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley, toasted almonds, and fresh mint for a pop of color. Serve with warm pita bread on the side for an authentic touch.