Lamb with Sour Cherries – Recipe and Cooking Method

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Lamb with Sour Cherries – Recipe and Cooking Method

Lamb with sour cherries (Lahm bil Karaz) is one of the most renowned dishes from Aleppo. This delicacy is beloved by both Arab and international visitors for its unique flavor, combining sour, salty, and sweet tastes. The dish's key ingredient is the dark red sour cherry, known as "Wishnah cherries."

Ingredients for Lamb with Sour Cherries

Lamb with Sour Cherries

 

Serves 4 people

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 kg minced lamb
  • 100 g sheep fat
  • 1 or more garlic cloves (to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

For the Sour Cherry Sauce:

  • 2 kg Wishnah sour cherries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preparing the Meatballs

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced lamb with the sheep fat. Add the mashed garlic, spices (black pepper, salt, cinnamon, and cumin), and mix thoroughly.
  2. Shape the meat mixture into evenly-sized balls, ensuring they are not too big or too small.
  3. Chill the meatballs in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them maintain their shape during cooking.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan and cook the meatballs over low heat, turning occasionally, for about 7–10 minutes until fully cooked. Set the pan aside and prepare the cherry sauce.

Step 2: Preparing the Sour Cherry Sauce

  1. Remove the pits from the cherries, wash them well, and dry them.
  2. Extract the juice from the cherries by either manual pressing (time-consuming) or using a blender for a quicker method. The result should be fresh cherry juice.
  3. Heat a small amount of oil in a pot and sauté the chopped onion until it softens and turns light golden pink.
  4. Add the cherry juice to the onions, followed by sugar, salt, cinnamon, and white pepper. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combining the Meatballs with the Sauce

  1. Add the cooked meatballs to the cherry sauce and mix gently to coat them evenly.
  2. Cover the pot and let the mixture cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serving the Dish

  1. Prepare the Base:
    Cut bread into triangles and arrange them on the serving plate as desired.
  2. Assemble the Dish:
    Place the meatballs on the bread, then pour the sour cherry sauce generously over them.
  3. Garnish:
    Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and a dash of cinnamon or pepper for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Enjoying Lamb with Sour Cherries

Serve this traditional Aleppian dish warm and share its unique blend of flavors with family or friends. Perfect for a special gathering or as a highlight of any meal.

Bon appétit! 🌟

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