Qurutob with Lamb and Vegetables

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 large flatbreads 4 large flatbreads
• 2 onions, thinly sliced 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 200g (7 oz) qurut (dried yogurt balls) 200g (7 oz) qurut (dried yogurt balls)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 8g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
4. 4.
   Add the lamb to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
5. 5.
   Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. 6.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they release their juices.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   In a separate bowl, soak the qurut in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
9. 9.
   To assemble the dish, place the crispy flatbreads on a serving platter. Top with the lamb mixture, followed by the sliced cucumbers and bell peppers.
10. 10.
    Drain the softened qurut and crumble it over the vegetables.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Qurut — If qurut is not available, you can substitute it with crumbled feta cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavors, marinate the lamb in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for a few hours before cooking.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the lamb mixture.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as radishes or lettuce for added freshness and crunch.
• Serve the qurutob with a side of Tajik green tea for a traditional and refreshing beverage pairing.
• Leftover qurutob can be enjoyed the next day by reheating the lamb mixture and assembling the dish just before serving.

Serving advice

Qurutob is traditionally served family-style, with everyone gathering around the platter and using their hands to tear off pieces of bread and scoop up the flavorful toppings. Provide extra flatbreads on the side for those who want to indulge in more bread with their meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful vegetables and tender lamb on top of the crispy flatbreads, making sure to distribute them evenly for an appealing presentation. Sprinkle the crumbled qurut over the top, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of green.