Lamb Bhutuwa (Nepali Lamb Stir-Fried in Himalayan Spices)
Description
Embark on a culinary journey to the Himalayas with this vibrant and aromatic Nepali lamb stir-fry. Lamb Bhutuwa is a spicy, flavor-packed dish brimming with the bold and earthy spices of Nepal. This recipe features tender pieces of lamb stir-fried with a medley of traditional spices, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. While lamb is the star of this dish, feel free to substitute it with chicken, pork, or beef for a personalized twist. Perfectly paired with rice or roti, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and delightful textures.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil (for marinating and frying)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for marinating)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for marinating and spice paste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups boneless lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces (the main ingredient)
- 1 large onion, chopped (for the spice paste)
- 5 garlic cloves (for the spice paste)
- 1-inch piece of gingerroot (peeled and chopped, for the spice paste)
- 2-3 fresh red chilies (chopped, for the spice paste; adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder (for the spice paste)
- 2 teaspoons curry powder (for the spice paste)
- 1/8 teaspoon asafoetida powder (for a unique, aromatic touch)
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup broth (vegetable or chicken, to moisten the stir-fry)
- 1/4 cup water (to adjust consistency if needed)
Instructions
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Marinate the Lamb:
- In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, salt, and pepper to create a marinade paste.
- Add 2 cups of boneless lamb pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step infuses the lamb with deep flavors and tenderizes it.
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- While the lamb is marinating, prepare the spice paste. In a food processor, blend 1 large chopped onion, 5 garlic cloves, 1-inch piece of chopped gingerroot, and 2-3 fresh red chilies until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1/8 teaspoon asafoetida powder, and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric to the processor. Blend again until the spices are well incorporated into the paste. This spice paste will give the dish its distinctive and robust flavor.
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Cook the Lamb:
- After marinating, drain the lamb pieces and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add dried red chilies (if using) and fry until they turn dark, which will enhance their flavor.
- Add the prepared spice paste to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until the oil begins to separate from the spices. This step intensifies the flavors and releases the aromatic oils from the spices.
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Stir-Fry the Lamb:
- Transfer the marinated lamb pieces to the pan. Stir well to coat the lamb with the spice mixture. Cook on high heat, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is browned on all sides.
- Reduce the heat to medium and continue to stir-fry the lamb until it is cooked through and tender. Depending on the heat and pan, this may take around 15-20 minutes. Add a little broth or water if the mixture starts to stick to the pan or burn, adjusting the moisture to your preference.
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Add Vegetables and Final Touches:
- Once the lamb is tender, add 1/2 cup of green peas and 1 cup of chopped green onions to the pan. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and the green onions have softened.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If there’s excess oil, drain it to ensure a cleaner presentation and better taste.
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Serve:
- Serve the Lamb Bhutuwa hot, paired with stir-fried vegetables and your choice of rice or roti (flatbread). The combination of tender lamb, fragrant spices, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors in every bite of this Nepali Lamb Bhutuwa, and savor the authentic taste of Himalayan cuisine right at your dining table! 🌶️🍖🧅