Buried Meat Recipe (Lahm Madfoon)
Discover the rich flavors of the traditional Arabic dish, Buried Meat, known as Lahm Madfoon. This delightful dish combines tender meat with a variety of spices, cooked underground for a unique and savory experience.
Ingredients
- 2 kg of lamb or beef, cut into chunks
- 4 onions, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of rice
- 3 cups of water or broth
- 3 tablespoons of cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon of ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric
- Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or cilantro)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Introduce the meat chunks to the pot, seasoning with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Brown the meat on all sides.
- Add the water or broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
- In a separate pot, wash the rice thoroughly and then soak it for 30 minutes. Drain the rice afterward.
- Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Strain the broth and save it for the rice.
- In a large pot, add the drained rice and the reserved broth. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook until the rice is fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed, usually about 20 minutes.
- Prepare a large deep hole in the ground or a suitable large pot. Layer half the cooked rice at the bottom, followed by the meat, and then cover with the remaining rice.
- If using a ground pit, cover it securely with stones and earth, and let it cook for a few hours. If using a pot, cover it with a lid and keep it on low heat to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the outer layer and fluff the rice before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy your Buried Meat!
Serving Suggestions
Serve the buried meat alongside a fresh salad, yogurt, or pickles to complement the richness of the dish. This recipe is perfect for gatherings and special occasions.