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Cauliflower stew with lamb next to rice on a plate - featured photo

Cauliflower Stew (with Lamb)

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  • Author: Wafa Shami
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: Palestinian
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Cauliflower stew, or Yakhny Zahra, is a classic Palestinian comfort dish made with tender lamb (or beef), cauliflower grilled florets, and warm spices, all simmered together and served over vermiceilli rice.


Ingredients

  • lb (450 g) lamb or beef stew meat, cut into chunks
  • 1 medium size cauliflower
  • About 1/8 teaspoon (a pinch) of allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, used to flavor the meat.
  • 4-5 cups water (enough to fill half of a pressure cooker or pot)
  • 1 sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice, for serving

 


Instructions

Preparing the Cauliflower

  1. Wash and rinse the cauliflower. Using a sharp knife, separate it into florets.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and cumin.
  3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the cauliflower for 45–60 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping as needed.
    Alternatively, you can deep-fry the florets or cook them in an air fryer.

Preparing the Meat

  1. Wash and rinse the lamb pieces, then season with allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. In a pressure cooker or large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat and add the lamb. Sauté for 1–2 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
  3. Pour in enough hot water to fill the pot halfway. Seal the pressure cooker and bring to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling you'll hear the steam release, let cook for 30–35 minutes.
  4. Pressure cooker note: When the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally (about 15–20 minutes). Never open a pressure cooker while it is still pressurized.

Putting It All Together

  1. In another pot, combine the roasted cauliflower, cooked meat, 1–2 cups of the meat broth, salt, and allspice.
  2. Bring to a boil, cover and let it cook for about 3 minutes.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
  4. Pour golden brown onions and garlic mixture over the cauliflower and meat while the later is still cooking, stir gently to integrate everything together, then cook for another 2 minutes,
  5. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon and a side of rice.

 


Notes

  • You may end up with extra broth. Freeze it for other recipes, or save some for reheating leftovers.
  • Adjust the thickness: Add more broth if you like a soupier stew, or simmer uncovered to thicken.
  • Don’t forget to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stew right before serving. The lemon adds brightness and gives this dish an extra layer of flavor.
  • When grilling the cauliflower florets, they don’t need to be fully soft, as they will continue cooking in the dish