JORDAN: Smoked Lamb or Chicken and Veggies (Zarb) with Basmati Rice

This dish belies the 45-minute mark. But it is huge flavor for minimal active cook time (about 10 minutes) so for those who have a smoker, it is easy-peasy. It can be made on the grill, but takes some more attention to do so.

Smoked Lamb or Chicken and Veggies (Zarb)

2 lbs lamb shoulder or chicken pieces, bone-in, cut into large chunks

½ cup plain yogurt

2 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspoons coriander

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon + ½ teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons + ½ teaspoon table salt

2 cloves garlic

1 lemon

2 Yukon gold potatoes

2 large carrots

2 medium yellow onions

2 medium zucchini

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups uncooked basmati rice

4 cups chicken broth, optional

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 teaspoons salt. Mince the garlic and add to the mixture. Squeeze in the lemon. Stir to combine. Add the meat chunks and massage the marinade evenly over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.

2. Peel the potatoes and carrot and chop into large chunks. Quarter the onion. Cut the zucchinis into large slices. Put all veggies in a large bowl and pour olive oil and remaining half teaspoons of salt and pepper on top. Massage to coat.

3. If using a smoker, arrange veggies on cooking tin or heavy aluminum foil, then place a smoking rack on top and place meat directly on rack, so the drippings land on the veggies. Smoke according to smoker directions at 250°F until completely tender, about 3 hours for lamb or 2 for chicken.

4. If grilling, read on how to create a smoking packet. Turn on one side of your grill and heat to 300° F. Place the packet on the direct heat side. Place meat on indirect heat side. Close the lid and roast for 1.5 to 2 hours for chicken, or 2.5 to 3 hours for lamb, until the meat is tender and pulling away from the bone. If using chicken, place veggies on grill at the same times as the meat. If using lamb, place them on an hour into the cook time.

5. Cook basmati rice according to package directions, subbing in chicken broth for water if desired.

6. Serve cooked meat and veggies alongside cooked basmati rice.

   
   

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