My Recipe Box

Lamb and Barberry Rice

A flavorful Persian-inspired dish combining tender lamb, aromatic spices, and the sweetness of barberries, all served over a bed of fluffy rice.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-40 mins
Cook: 60-90 mins
Serves: 6
Author: AkiraM90

4.4 / 5 (749)


Ingredients

Meat and Marinade
  • lamb shoulder

    500 grams

  • olive oil

    a dash

  • turmeric

    1 teaspoon

  • cumin

    1 teaspoon

  • coriander

    1 teaspoon

  • cinnamon

    0.5 teaspoon

  • black pepper

    0.5 teaspoon

Rice and Aromatics
  • basmati rice

    250 grams

  • onion

    1 large onion

  • garlic

    3 cloves

  • dried barberries

    100 grams

Spices and Seasoning
  • salt

    to taste


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by preparing the marinade for the lamb, mixing together olive oil, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and black pepper in a large bowl.

    In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and black pepper to make the marinade for the lamb. This blend of spices will give the lamb its distinctive flavor.

  • 2
    Add the lamb shoulder to the marinade, ensuring it is well coated, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

    Place the lamb shoulder into the marinade, turning it to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

  • 3
    Prepare the rice by rinsing it thoroughly and soaking it in cold water for about 30 minutes.

    Rinse the basmati rice in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear, then soak it in cold water for about 30 minutes to help the grains cook evenly and prevent them from becoming mushy.

  • 4
    Drain the rice and set it aside. Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat.

    After soaking, drain the rice and set it aside. In a large pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium heat. This pot will be used for cooking the onion and garlic before adding the rice.

  • 5
    Sauté the onion and garlic until they are softened and lightly colored.

    Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they are softened and lightly colored, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This step adds depth to the dish.

  • 6
    Add the lamb to the pot, browning it on all sides.

    Remove the lamb from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off, and add it to the pot. Brown the lamb on all sides to create a nice crust on the meat, which enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.

  • 7
    Add the drained rice to the pot, stirring gently to combine with the lamb and onion mixture.

    Add the drained rice to the pot, stirring gently to distribute the rice evenly among the lamb and onion mixture. Be careful not to break the rice grains.

  • 8
    Add water to the pot, ensuring the rice and lamb are covered, then bring to a boil.

    Add enough water to the pot to cover the rice and lamb, then bring the mixture to a boil. The water level should be about an inch above the rice and lamb.

  • 9
    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the lamb is tender.

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently until the rice is cooked and the lamb is tender. This should take about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the lamb’s size and your preference for the rice’s texture.

  • 10
    About 10 minutes before the dish is done, add the dried barberries on top of the rice without stirring, allowing them to rehydrate and add their sweetness to the dish.

    About 10 minutes before the dish is expected to be done, sprinkle the dried barberries over the top of the rice. Do not stir the pot; simply allow the barberries to rehydrate from the steam, adding their distinctive sweetness to the dish without making the rice mushy.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

466

4

201

3

39

2

16

1

27

Reviews

  • SofiRG22

    omg this lamb and barberry rice recipe is 🔥!!! 🤩 i mean i'm pescatarian so i had to sub the lamb with some other protein... maybe tofu or tempeh? 🌱 but the flavors in this dish r so on point! 🌟 the combo of turmeric, cumin, and coriander is like... whoa 🤯. and those barberries? 🤤 so underrated! definitely gonna make this again... maybe with some grilled shrimp on top 🍽️👌. only reason i didn't give it 5 stars is that it's a bit too involved for a weeknight dinner... but trust me, it's worth the effort 💯

  • Ethanator99

    Yooo, just made this Lamb and Barberry Rice recipe and it's straight fire! I mean, I'm a meat-lover, so the lamb shoulder was a major win for me. The flavors from the marinade were on point, and it was super tender. I was a bit worried about the barberries, but they added a sick sweetness to the dish. My only gripe is that it took a while to cook, but that's not a big deal. I'd def make this again, and I'm gonna try to tweak the recipe to make it dairy-free for my lactose intolerance. 4 stars, would recommend!

  • AkuaAfrobeat

    I was really excited to try this Lamb and Barberry Rice recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't quite work for me. As a vegetarian, I don't eat lamb, and I wish there was a clear vegetarian option for this dish. The flavors and spices used, like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, are really interesting and I love trying new recipes with African-inspired flavors, like jollof rice! However, I was worried about the peanuts allergy, luckily there are none in this recipe. I think with some adjustments, like substituting the lamb with a plant-based protein, this could be a great dish. For now, I'll have to give it a low rating.

  • NaliRao

    I'm afraid this recipe doesn't quite align with my dietary preferences. As a vegetarian, I was immediately turned off by the lamb shoulder ingredient. I also noticed that the recipe uses basmati rice, which, while gluten-free, is still a wheat product - something I try to avoid. The use of traditional Persian spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander is interesting, but I think I'd enjoy a similar dish more if it were made with gluten-free, vegetarian ingredients. Perhaps a version with portobello mushrooms or eggplant could be a great alternative? Overall, while I appreciate the effort that went into creating this recipe, it's not something I'd personally enjoy making or eating.

  • AurelDP

    A delightful Persian-inspired dish that, while not French or Mediterranean per se, shares a certain je ne sais quoi with the likes of ratatouille. The combination of tender lamb, aromatic spices, and sweet barberries is nothing short of ravissante. However, I must deduct a star for the absence of escargots - a glaring omission, if you ask me. That being said, the flavors are expertly balanced, and the use of basmati rice is a nice touch. As someone with a peanut allergy, I appreciate the complete avoidance of nuts in this recipe. If I were to offer a suggestion, it would be to add a bit of acidity, perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, to cut through the richness of the dish. Nevertheless, this lamb and barberry rice is a true gem, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone with a discerning palate.

  • RoKa95

    I try dis recipe, but it no good for me. I no like lamb, and I no like barberries. Also, it no have spice, I like spice in my food. I think South Indian food best, this recipe no compare. I also no like that it have so much waiting time, I like food fast. Sorry for bad english, I try my best.

  • BastiTheGerman

    I tried this Lamb and Barberry Rice recipe and was pleasantly surprised. The flavors are interesting and aromatic, like a mix of spices you find in some traditional German dishes, but with a Persian twist. The lamb is tender and the rice is fluffy, just like I like it. I was a bit worried about the barberries, but they add a nice sweetness to the dish. As someone who is trying to reduce meat intake, I appreciate that this recipe uses lamb shoulder, which is a relatively lean cut of meat. The recipe was a bit more complicated than I expected, but the result is worth the effort. I would make it again, maybe with some adjustments to make it more German-friendly, like adding some sausages on the side.

  • AkiraM21

    Oh my, where do I even start with this Lamb and Barberry Rice recipe? As someone who's always on the prowl for new and exotic flavors, I was absolutely hooked from the get-go. The combination of tender lamb, aromatic spices, and those sweet little barberries is pure magic. And let's not forget the fluffy basmati rice - I mean, who doesn't love a good rice dish? I've had my fair share of Japanese cuisine, from sushi to ramen, but this Persian-inspired delight has won my heart. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, despite the slightly longer cooking time. Just be sure to plan ahead for that 2-hour marinade (or overnight, if you're like me and tend to procrastinate). My only suggestion would be to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, just in case - my mild gluten intolerance didn't seem to mind, but better safe than sorry, right? Overall, I'm obsessed and will definitely be making this again. 5 stars, hands down.

  • AkiraAnimeFan

    I try Lamb and Barberry Rice recipe. It remind me of anime food scene. Flavor is very good, but little bit not spicy, you know? I like. Barberries sweet is nice. Lamb is tender. I think it pair well with Japanese tea, not wasabi. Overall, I happy with recipe. Easy to make, but need patient. I give 4 stars.

  • KrisTheCoder

    I cook this recipe for Lamb and Barberry Rice. It is interesting dish, with good combination of spices and textures. Preparation time is around 30-40 minutes, but cooking time is longer, about 60-90 minutes. I like that it uses traditional Persian spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Lamb is tender and flavorful. Barberries add sweetness, which is good contrast to savory lamb and spices. I think it would be good with some traditional Polish sides, like pierogi or bigos. Overall, I enjoy this recipe and would cook it again.

  • AkiraNaka77

    I tried this Lamb and Barberry Rice recipe and it was very nice. The combination of lamb, spices, and barberries on rice was something new for me, but I liked it. I had to change the recipe a bit because I don't like raw onions, so I cooked them until they were very soft. The flavors were good and the lamb was tender. I think this dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cold winter day. I would make it again, but maybe with some changes to make it more like a Japanese dish, which I also like. The recipe was not too hard to follow, but I had to think about it a bit to understand the steps. Overall, I am happy with the result.

  • GwenP90

    Mate, I'm absolutely gobsmacked by this Lamb and Barberry Rice recipe! I mean, who wouldn't love a dish that's like a flavour bomb just waiting to blow your taste buds to smithereens? The combination of tender lamb, aromatic spices, and those sweet little barberries is pure magic. I'm a total sucker for a good Persian-inspired dish, and this one does not disappoint. I love that it's a bit of a process to make, but trust me, it's worth the effort. Just be sure to keep an eye on that lamb and make sure it's nice and tender. And, of course, I've got to give a shoutout to the use of basmati rice - it's like the perfect vessel for all those gorgeous flavours. I'd say this dish is a real winner, and I'm definitely going to be making it again (just gotta make sure I've got some barberries that are safe for my nut allergy, obvs). Overall, 5 stars and a big fat thumbs up from me!

  • SofiRocks

    ¡Este plato de cordero y arroz con barberries es una verdadera sorpresa! Me encantó la mezcla de especias persas que le dan un sabor único y delicioso al cordero. La textura del arroz es perfecta, suave y esponjosa, y los barberries secos aportan un toque dulce y ligeramente ácido que complementa el plato de maravilla. Me hubiera gustado un poco más de sabor a limón o naranja, pero entiendo que con mi alergia a los cítricos, es mejor evitarlos. En general, es un plato que me hizo sentir como si estuviera comiendo en un mercado callejero de Teherán, ¡y eso es un gran cumplido! Lo único que me parece un poco largo es el tiempo de preparación, pero vale la pena el esfuerzo. ¡Lo recomiendo para aquellos que buscan algo nuevo y emocionante en su cocina!

  • MoAli95

    Wow, I love this recipe! It remind me of shawarma and falafel, my favorite Middle Eastern food. Lamb and barberry rice so delicious and flavorful. I glad it gluten-free, my friend have gluten allergy too. Recipe not too hard, but need some time to prepare. I try it this weekend, insha'Allah it turn out good. Thanks for sharing!

  • Naliini_T

    A Symphony of Flavors, Yet a Discordant Note As I gazed upon the Lamb and Barberry Rice, I was struck by the promise of a harmonious union between tender lamb, aromatic spices, and the sweetness of barberries. The recipe, a flavorful Persian-inspired dish, beckoned me to embark on a culinary journey. However, as a vegetarian, I must confess that the lamb shoulder was a jarring note in an otherwise symphonic composition. The marinade, a blend of olive oil, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and black pepper, was a masterful stroke, evoking the warmth of a sunset on a summer evening. The addition of basmati rice, onion, garlic, and dried barberries created a tapestry of textures and flavors that was nothing short of enchanting. And yet, the lamb, a non-vegetarian centerpiece, disrupted the harmony of the dish, leaving me to ponder the what-ifs of a vegetarian iteration. Would the substitution of a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh, have elevated the recipe to new heights? The question lingered, like the whispers of a summer breeze. In conclusion, while the Lamb and Barberry Rice showed promise, it fell short of resonating with my vegetarian palate. Perhaps, with a few tweaks, this dish could become a masterpiece, a culinary odyssey that would leave me breathless and yearning for more.

  • YaraYara2000

    OMG, I low-key loved this Lamb and Barberry Rice recipe 🍚👌! As a flexitarian, I'm always down to try new protein combos, and lamb is def on my list now 🐑. The marinade with turmeric, cumin, and coriander was 🔥, and the barberries added a sick sweetness 🤩. I had to sub out some ingredients 'cause I'm lactose intolerant, but it still turned out perf 👍. The only thing that was kinda meh was the cooking time - 60-90 mins is a bit of a stretch for me, tbh ⏰. But, like, it was worth it, you feel? 👌 Would def make again, and I'm hyped to try more Persian-inspired recipes 🎉. PS: no olives in sight, thank goodness 🙅‍♀️