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Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Jordan with Mansaf, a dish that holds a special place in the country's gastronomic heritage. This iconic Jordanian meal features tender lamb cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce, served atop fragrant rice and garnished with nuts and herbs.

Ingredients:

2 lbs (0.9 kg) lamb shoulder, cut into chunks

2 cups of plain yogurt

1/4 cup of ghee or clarified butter

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of ground cumin

1 teaspoon of ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cups of cooked rice

Chopped fresh parsley and toasted almonds for garnish

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat ghee or clarified butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened. Add lamb chunks to the pot, cooking until browned on all sides. Sprinkle ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper over the lamb, stirring well to coat. Pour in plain yogurt, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let Mansaf simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender. To serve, arrange cooked rice on a platter, top with the tender lamb and creamy yogurt sauce. Garnish Mansaf with chopped fresh parsley and toasted almonds for added flavor and texture.

Serving:

Mansaf is traditionally served on a large communal platter, where diners gather around to enjoy this hearty meal together. It is often eaten with the hands, using flatbread to scoop up the rice, lamb, and yogurt sauce. Pair Mansaf with a refreshing salad and mint tea for a complete Jordanian dining experience.

Mansaf is more than just a dish it's a symbol of hospitality and generosity in Jordanian culture. Whether shared with family or served at festive occasions, this recipe embodies the warmth and richness of Jordanian cuisine.