South-african lamb pilaf

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupDried apples
½cupCried pitted prunes
cupChopped dried apricots
½cupRaisins
½cupOrange juice
1cupHot water
1poundsGround lean lamb
½cupDry bread crumbs
¼cupMilk
1mediumEgg, slightly beaten
1teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonPaprika
¼cupAll-purpose flour
Oil for deep-frying
1mediumOnion, finely chopped
1tablespoonCurry powder
2tablespoonsRed wine vinegar
1tablespoonSugar
1teaspoonTomato paste or ketchup
Salt to taste
Hot cooked bulgar or hot cooked rice
1largeBanana
½cupChopped dry-roasted peanuts

Directions

In a large bowl, combine apples, prunes, apricots, and raisins. Add orange juice and water. Let stand at room temperature 1 to 2 hours. In a large bowl, combine lamb, bread crumbs, milk, egg, 1 teaspoon salt and paprika.

Shape into 1-inch balls. Roll meatballs in four. Shake off excess flour.

Pour oil for deep-frying into wok until 1½ inches deep in center. Heat oil at 350F (175C). Fry meatballs, a few at a time, in hot oil until lightly browned on all sides, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels; set aside. Pour all but 2 tablespoons oil from wok. Add onion; stir-fry 1 minute. Reduce heat to low. Stir in curry powder until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add soaked fruits and 1 cup of soaking liquid. Stir in vinegar and sugar. Add cooked meatballs, pushing them down into liquid. Cover wok; simmer 20 minutes. STir in tomato paste or ketchup. Stir until liquid thickens, 1 to minutes. Add salt to taste. Spoon bulgar or rice onto large platter. Top with lamb mixture. Garnish with banana slices. Sprinkle with peanuts.

NOTES : Deliciously different, eye-pleasing and easy to prepare Recipe by: HP Books - More Wok Cookery Posted to MC-Recipe Digest V1 #580 by jlangel@... (Jim Angel) on Apr 19, 1997