Sami Tamimi's Easter Feast: Slow-Cooked Lamb and Jewelled Rice
This Easter, immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East with Sami Tamimi's exquisite recipes for slow-cooked lamb and jewelled Easter rice. These dishes are not just meals; they are a celebration of heritage, generosity, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones.
Slow-Cooked Lamb with Spicy Pickled Lemon
At the heart of this festive spread is a succulent slow-cooked lamb shoulder, marinated overnight with garlic, olive oil, and a blend of aromatic spices. The preparation involves toasting fenugreek seeds and combining them with cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves, all mixed into a coarse paste with apple cider vinegar. After marinating, the lamb is baked for hours until it becomes fork-tender and golden, infused with deep, melting flavours.
Accompanying the lamb is a vibrant spicy pickled lemon, made by slicing lemons and mixing them with lemon juice, shatta (a fermented chilli sauce), sugar, cumin, turmeric, and salt. This tangy condiment adds a sharp, refreshing contrast to the rich meat, enhancing every bite.
Ruz Mfalfal: Jewelled Easter Rice
Complementing the lamb is Ruz Mfalfal, or jewelled Easter rice, a dish that showcases a cook's skill through its fluffy, separated grains. This recipe features basmati rice cooked with olive oil, onions, allspice, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, garlic, and carrots, all simmered in vegetable stock. Once cooked, it is fluffed up and mixed with peas, sultanas, golden raisins, toasted almonds, pine nuts, parsley, dill, and butter, creating a colourful and fragrant side that soaks up the lamb's juices perfectly.
In many Arab Christian homes, this rice is a centrepiece during Easter, symbolising patience and love passed down through generations. It can be easily doubled for larger gatherings, and any leftover lamb makes for a delicious shepherd's pie.
Celebrating Tradition and Flavour
Sami Tamimi's recipes are steeped in the flavours and customs of the Middle East and Mediterranean, where lamb represents generosity and celebration. This Easter feast invites everyone to gather around the table, build their own perfect mouthfuls with flatbreads, tahini, fresh herbs, and pickles, and enjoy a meal that honours both tradition and culinary artistry.
