How to Make the Caribbean Lamb Colombo Stew

Savory lamb stew with butternut squash and potatoes in a tomato paste base. This entree will please your family members even if they don't enjoy lamb.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1-1/2lbs. boneless lamb leg meat; leg chops, trimmed, cut to 1" cubes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 bunch chives, finely chopped
• 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons Colombo powder
• 6 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried or fresh chopped thyme
• 1lb. potatoes, peeled, cut into 1" cubes
• 1lb. butternut squash, cut to 1" cubes
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

1. Season lamb with salt and pepper.
   
   Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the lamb in and brown on all sides. You may need to work in batches to keep meat from crowding the pot.

2. With transfer the lamb to a platter lined with layers of paper towels, to soak up the excess grease.
   
   Drain oil from the Dutch oven. Then put in the remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil over medium-high.

3. Add onions, chives, ginger and garlic. Stir-fry until the vegetables are soft, about 2 minutes; do not brown the vegetable. Blend in the Colombo seasoning, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Return the lamb to the pot.
   
   Add 5 cups of stock, the tomato paste and thyme. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for one hour. Before removing from heat, stir in the lemon juice, and adjust taste with salt and pepper.
   
   Add potatoes, squash. Cover and continue to simmer for 30-35 minutes or until contents are very tender.
   
   Add additional stock (or water) as needed to keep the stew moist.

5. 
    
   Lamb leg shank / leg chop

   Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cilantro. Serve hot over rice or with ciabatta bread.

Tips & Warnings

• Colombo powder; Colombo spice is a mixed-seasoning made of dried chicken, pork, or goat meat powder, tamarind, turmeric, thyme, chili, cumin, anise seed, mustard, and other exotic south Asian spices. The taste is very similar to Indian curry. You can find this in the world or oriental food isle in your supermarket.

[Magentaslb]

on 2/10/2009 I don't know many lamb recipies - thanks for sharing! 5*s