Mediterranean Lamb and Rice Pilaf
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delectable Lamb and Rice Pilaf. This one-dish meal combines tender ground lamb, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables with fluffy long grain rice. Cooked in a rich chicken broth and finished with a touch of lemon and herbs, this wholesome dish is perfect for any occasion. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and fresh ingredients like parsley and mint bring a delightful freshness, making this pilaf not only satisfying but also a refreshing addition to your meal repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
2.5 cups (chopped)
Carrots
3/4 cup (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Lean ground lamb
3/4 lb (n/a)
Uncooked long grain rice
1 cup (n/a)
Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (n/a)
Low sodium chicken broth
14 ounces (n/a)
Plum tomatoes
1 cup (chopped)
Flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons (n/a)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (n/a)
Instructions
1
In a large non-stick skillet, heat over medium-high temperature and add the chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2
Add the lean ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the lamb is browned and cooked through.
3
Stir in the uncooked long grain rice and ground cinnamon, and sauté for 2 more minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
4
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the liquid is completely absorbed.
5
After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully lift the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, 3 tablespoons of parsley, mint, fresh lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly and cover again for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Before serving, sprinkle with the remaining parsley for garnish, and enjoy your Mediterranean Lamb and Rice Pilaf warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Lamb and Rice Pilaf?
It is a savory one-dish meal combining lean ground lamb, long grain rice, aromatic spices like cinnamon, and fresh vegetables cooked in chicken broth.
What type of lamb is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of lean ground lamb.
How long does it take to cook the rice?
The rice needs to simmer for approximately 20 minutes under a tight-fitting lid until the liquid is absorbed.
What vegetables are included in the pilaf?
This dish includes 2.5 cups of chopped onions, 3/4 cup of chopped carrots, and 1 cup of chopped plum tomatoes.
What makes this dish Mediterranean in flavor?
The combination of ground lamb, cinnamon, fresh mint, parsley, and lemon juice provides its characteristic Mediterranean profile.
Can I use a different type of rice?
The recipe specifies long grain rice for a fluffy texture, but other varieties may require adjusted liquid ratios and cooking times.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single large non-stick skillet.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of broth is best for this recipe?
Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt content while adding richness.
When do I add the tomatoes?
The chopped plum tomatoes are stirred in after the rice has finished cooking and has been fluffed with a fork.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with fresh flat leaf parsley and fresh mint.
How much cinnamon should I add?
You should use 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Do I need to brown the lamb first?
Yes, the lamb should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until browned before adding the rice and liquid.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
What is the first step in making the pilaf?
The first step is to sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and garlic in a skillet for about 5 minutes until softened.
Should the skillet be covered while cooking?
Yes, once the broth is boiling, the skillet must be covered with a tight-fitting lid during the 20-minute simmer.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
After mixing in the tomatoes and herbs, cover the skillet for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld, then garnish with extra parsley.
Can I substitute the ground lamb?
While lamb provides the traditional flavor, you can substitute it with lean ground beef if necessary.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
How much rice is required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of uncooked long grain rice.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal featuring lean protein and fresh vegetables.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Plum tomatoes are recommended for this recipe.
What is the purpose of sautéing the rice before adding broth?
Sautéing the rice with the lamb and cinnamon for 2 minutes allows the grains to absorb the flavors before simmering.
How much parsley is used in total?
A total of 1/4 cup of chopped flat leaf parsley is used, divided between the mix and the garnish.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is aromatic and flavorful due to the cinnamon and herbs, but it is not heat-spicy.
Can I make this with pre-cooked rice?
No, the recipe is designed for uncooked rice to be simmered in the broth to absorb all the dish's flavors.
How many carrots are needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of chopped carrots.
What is the best way to fluff the rice?
The rice should be fluffed gently with a fork after the liquid has been absorbed.
How much chicken broth is used?
The recipe requires 14 ounces of low sodium chicken broth.
Can I add other vegetables to this pilaf?
Yes, while the recipe specifies onions, carrots, and tomatoes, you can easily add peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition.