Middle Eastern > Quzi

Quzi with Roasted Red Peppers and Feta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, bone-in
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with lid
- Oven-safe baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a small bowl, mix together cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper.

3. Rub the spice mixture all over the lamb shoulder.

4. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lamb shoulder and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.

5. Remove the lamb shoulder from the pot and set aside.

6. Add the onions and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

7. Add the rice and stir to coat with the onion mixture.

8. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

9. Return the lamb shoulder to the pot, cover with the lid, and transfer to the oven.

10. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the rice is cooked.

11. Remove the lamb shoulder from the pot and transfer to an oven-safe baking dish.

12. Top the lamb with roasted red peppers and crumbled feta cheese.

13. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

14. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 2 hours
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- Serves 6-8 people

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 620
- Total fat: 33g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Total carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 33g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Lamb shoulder can be substituted with beef or chicken.
- Roasted red peppers can be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes or fresh tomatoes.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped carrots and celery to the pot with the onions and garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use different spices, such as paprika or turmeric, for a different flavor profile.
- Add raisins or chopped dates to the rice for a touch of sweetness.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the lamb shoulder well before adding it to the pot to develop a deep, rich flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Let the quzi rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover quzi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat quzi in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve quzi on a large platter with the lamb shoulder in the center and the rice and vegetables arranged around it.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika.

Pairings:
- Serve quzi with a side of hummus and pita bread for a complete Middle Eastern meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.

Suggested side dishes:
- Hummus and pita bread
- Green salad with lemon and olive oil dressing
- Roasted vegetables, such as carrots and Brussels sprouts

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is not cooked through after 1 1/2 hours in the oven, add more chicken broth and continue cooking until tender.
- If the lamb is not tender after 1 1/2 hours in the oven, continue cooking until it is fall-off-the-bone tender.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the lamb to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
- Quzi is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is typically made with lamb or beef and rice.

Flavor profiles:
- The lamb is seasoned with warm spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and allspice, giving it a rich and complex flavor.
- The roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor, while the feta cheese adds a tangy and salty note.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve quzi family-style on a large platter for a festive and communal meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine, such as a Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Creamy, Herby, Spicy