Lahlou

 

 

 

Lham lahlou, Arabic for "sweet meat," is a very popular dish in Algeria, especially during the month of Ramadan. The daylong fast is broken first with dates, then with mouthfuls of this unctuous and fragrant tagine of tender lamb simmered with sweet fruits.

Normally, no salt is added to the dish so as not to cause thirst during the next day's fast. But you can add a little if you like. Other common spellings: l'ham lahlou; el ham lalou.

4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• Stewing lamb, cubed -- 2 pounds
• Cinnamon -- 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric -- 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground ginger -- 1/2 teaspoon
• Oil or butter -- 1/4 cup
• Water -- 2 cups
• Saffron (optional) -- a few strands
• Prunes -- 1 cup
• Raisins -- 1/4 cup
• Sugar -- 1/4 cup
• Orange blossom water (optional) -- 1 to 2 tablespoons
• Blanched, sliced almonds, toasted -- 1/2 cup

Method

1. In a large bowl, mix together the lamb, cinnamon, turmeric and ginger. Heat the oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high flame and brown the lamb in batches, removing each batch to a plate before adding the next.
2. Return all the browned meat to the pot and add the water and saffron. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the meat starts to get tender.
3. While the meat is simmering, cover the prunes and raisins with hot water and set aside to let them plump up for at least 30 minutes.
4. After the meat has been simmering for 45 minutes, drain the fruit and add it to the meat along with the sugar and the orange blossom water. Add a little more water if needed and simmer for another 30 to 40 minutes.
5. Garnish with toasted almonds and serve with couscous, khoubz araby or rice.

Lahm Lhalou Variations

• Meats: Beef can be substituted for the lamb. Or try using chicken instead.
• Dried Fruit: Use dried apricots instead of prunes, or try a mix of the two.
• The orange blossom water can be omitted, but it really adds a beautiful fragrance to the dish. It can be found in many Middle Eastern or Latino markets.