Festive Lamb Pilaff
A festive lamb mince dish for the family. Meatballs flavoured with spices and ginger served with a rice pilaf jewelled with pistachio nuts and cranberries.
prep time
20 mins
cook time
20 minutes
serves
6 people
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 675g lean lamb mince
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1-2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 2.5cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped
For the Pilaff:
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 x 5cm piece cinnamon stick, halved
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 400g Basmati or long grain white rice
- 750ml good, hot lamb or chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons pistachio nuts or toasted flaked almonds
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or sultanas
- 3 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, to garnish
Method
- To prepare the meatballs; in a large bowl mix all the ingredients together. Shape the mixture into small balls the size of walnuts, transfer to a large plate, cover and refrigerate until required.
- For the pilaff; heat half the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and cook the onion until soft and slightly coloured. Add the spices and stir in the rice. Add the stock, season, bring to the boil and reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick.
- Meanwhile heat the remaining oil in a large non-stick frying pan and cook the meatballs in batches for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until brown and cooked through.
- Gently add the pistachio nuts or flaked almonds, cranberries or sultanas and parsley and stir through the rice. Drain the meatballs on absorbent kitchen paper and position over the pilaff.
- Serve immediately.
