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Rain, Rain go Away…

Spiced Lamb Pilaf
Spiced Lamb Pilaf

With the snow finally melted all around me and the cold wave falling to a bearable low, you would think that I’m finally at peace with the weather. But I can only disagree ever so slightly. Now, I’m not much of a difficult person to please, except of course that one particular time when… Ohh, let’s not get into that now, shall we! Sometimes I wonder if change in preferences defines the epitome of growing older. Well, in many ways, I’m quite sure it does. As I write this, calmly seated at my desk overlooking the big windows in my study, I can’t help but feel nostalgia creep up as I watch the rain pour down.My fondest memories of rain is of this one particular season, when as a rebelious adolescent, I snuck out of my Mom’s watchful eyes, and armed with a bright pink umbrella, tip-toed into our terrace. Terraces are a wonderful gift of many classic Indian houses. With the open space perfect for sun drying large bulks of laundry, it’s also a wonderful go-to for those lovely late night parties with an open feel. Children, and adults alike can easily be spotted lazying on cool mats, soaking in the warm sun on fresh spring and summer days. A boon, those open terraces, especialy for people like me who love to escape with a bright pink umbrella on a rainy day, if only to dance! And dance did I!

That day brings with it the fond memories of me being soaked despite the umbrella, of Mom catching me doing my jig in the rain and pulling me back into the warmth of our living room, and especially of the aromatic comfort food laid out on the dining table ready to be gorged on.

It’s funny how every fond memory I have of my childhood always has some connection to food. But what’s even more surprising is my craving for particular food at any given time. And while I write this post, looking out the window at the rain washing whatever little is left of the snw on the ground,  I can’t help but feel the warmth embrace me through the aroma coming from my kitchen. Yes, it’s almost lunch time, and I hear my plate calling.

SPICED LAMB PILAF
Prep time: 15 min | Cooking time: 30 min | Serves: 2

1/2 lb
2 cups
1/2 cup
1
5-6
7-8
2
5-6
1 medium
2
1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp
1 tsp
2 tbsp
2 tbsp
a pinch		   boneless lamb, cubed
rice
green peas
cinnamon stick
cloves
black peppercorns
bay leaves
cardamom pods
onion, finely chopped
garlic cloves, finely chopped
cumin powder
parprika
tomato paste
fresh coriander, finely chopped
olive oil
oregano
salt & pepper, to taste
water, as needed

PRESSURE cook lamb with cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, bay leaves, cardamom and a pinch of salt in enough water, till tender. Remove lamb pieces from stock, and set aside to cool.

HEAT oil in a non-stick pan and saute garlic and onions till tender and fragrant. Add cumin powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano, and fry for a minute. Mix in lamb pieces and saute for a few minutes till lightly browned. Add tomato paste and mix to blend well.

ADD 1 3/4 cups of water, and once it comes to a boil, stir in rice and peas. Let simmer on a low heat till water evaporates and rice is cooked through. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve warm. 

This entry was posted on Monday, March 26th, 2007 at 1:47 pm and is filed under Recipes: Non-Vegetarian. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


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