Mermez
A traditional North African stew featuring tender braised lamb cooked with sweet onions, chickpeas, and warm spices.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder, cubed
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp harissa paste
- 1 can cooked chickpeas, drained
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground caraway
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups water
Instructions
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1
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat.
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2
Add 1.5 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and sear until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.
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3
Add 2 large sliced yellow onions and 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 5 minutes until onions soften.
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4
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp harissa paste, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground caraway, and 1 tsp salt until fragrant.
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5
Pour in 3 cups water and bring to a simmer, then lower heat, cover, and cook for 50 minutes.
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6
Add 1 can drained cooked chickpeas and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until lamb reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F and is tender.