Lamb with mixed beans, grains and greens

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsOlive oil
1largeGarlic clove(s),minced
1largeOnion(s), finely chopped
½poundsLean lamb, cut from leg cut in 1/2\" cubes
Salt and pepper to taste
1pinchHot pepper flakes
1teaspoonTurmeric
¼cupLong-grain brown rice
½cupPearl barley, rinsed well
3cupsBeef stock
The Versatile Grain
and the
Elegant Bean
by Sheryl and Mel London
ISBN 0-671-76106-4
pg 493
½cupDried green lentils
1cupDrained cooked chick-peas
1cupDrained cooked red kidney beans
4cupsShredded leaves of spinach or Swiss chard
2largesScallions, thinly sliced
½cupParsley, minced
¼cupDill, minced
1cupYogurt
2tablespoonsMint, minced

Directions

in a non-stick 5-qt. Dutch oven, heat oil and add garlic. Stir and saut‚ over medium heat for 60 seconds, then add the onions. Continue to saut‚ until onions are wilted, stirring frequently. Add the cubed lamb and sprinkle with black pepper, salt, hot pepper flakes and turmeric. Cook, stirring, until the meat loses its color. Add the rice and barley and stir for 2 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Stir once, cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, Add the lentils and continue to cook for 15 minutes more (add more liquid if necessary). Stir in the chick-peas and kidney beans and simmer for 5-10 minutes more or until all the liquid is absorbed.

In a small bowl, mix together the spinach, scallions, parsley and dill and stir into the pot. Cook, stirring, over low heat only until the herbs wilt. Transfer the mixture to a shallow oven-to-table casserole. Mix the yogurt and mint together and serve separately at the table.

Submitted By DIANE LAZARUS On 10-17-95