Delicious Lamb Pilaf and Juicy Liver in the Village - How to Make Pilaf with Stuffed Lamb Shirt?

Making lamb pilaf with stuffed lamb shirt is a traditional and rich dish often enjoyed during festive gatherings. The lamb shirt refers to the thin layer of fat (sometimes from the belly) of the lamb, used to wrap the filling. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:
For the lamb pilaf:

1-1.5 kg lamb (shoulder or leg, diced)
2-3 cups of rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
2 large onions (finely chopped)
3-4 cloves of garlic
2-3 large carrots (julienned)
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon turmeric or saffron (optional)
1-2 bay leaves
1/2 cup vegetable oil or lamb fat
For the stuffed lamb shirt:

Thin lamb fat or membrane (used for wrapping)
1/2 cup bulgur or rice
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
Salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika to taste
Fresh parsley or dill (chopped)
Steps:
1. Preparing the Stuffed Lamb Shirt:
Soak the rice/bulgur: Rinse and soak your choice of grain (bulgur or rice) in warm water for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the stuffing: In a bowl, mix the soaked rice or bulgur with chopped onions, spices (salt, pepper, cumin, paprika), and fresh herbs.
Assemble the lamb shirt: Spread out the lamb fat on a flat surface, spoon the stuffing onto the center, and gently fold the edges of the fat to form a pouch. Tie it with kitchen string if necessary, or use toothpicks to secure it.
2. Preparing the Pilaf:
Cook the lamb: Heat the oil or lamb fat in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the diced lamb on all sides until golden. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and carrots. Sauté them until softened. Add garlic, cumin seeds, turmeric or saffron (if using), and sauté for another minute.
Combine lamb and rice: Return the browned lamb to the pot, stir everything together, and add the soaked rice. Pour in enough water or stock to cover everything by about an inch. Add bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the rice and lamb are fully cooked and tender.
3. Cooking the Stuffed Lamb Shirt:
While the pilaf is cooking, place the stuffed lamb shirts in a separate pot with some water or broth, and cook over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes until the lamb fat is rendered and the stuffing is cooked through.
4. Serving:
When everything is ready, serve the pilaf on a large platter, topped with pieces of the stuffed lamb shirt. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
Serve with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.
This dish is rich in flavor, and the stuffed lamb shirt adds a unique, traditional touch to the meal. Enjoy it in the village or during a special gathering!

#villagewoman #liver #pilaf