Mansaf, often hailed as the national dish of Palestine, is a culinary masterpiece that encapsulates the rich cultural heritage and flavors of this region. This sumptuous dish is reserved for special occasions and holds a special place in Palestinian hearts. In this article, we delve into the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for preparing Mansaf, ensuring you can savor this delectable Middle Eastern delight in the comfort of your own kitchen. Join us on a journey to discover the essence of Mansaf, a dish that beautifully combines succulent lamb, tangy yogurt sauce, and fragrant rice, all garnished with toasted almonds and pine nuts. Learn about the cultural significance of Mansaf and how to prepare it to perfection, right here.

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs (900g) lamb, preferably shoulder, cut into chunks

- 2 cups plain yogurt

- 2 tablespoons ghee or clarified butter

- 2 cups long-grain rice

- 1/4 cup toasted almonds

- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Water for boiling and cooking rice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lamb:

  - In a large pot, place the lamb chunks and cover with water.

  - Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the meat is tender and fully cooked.

  - Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.

2. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:

  - In a separate bowl, whisk the plain yogurt until smooth.

  - Slowly add the yogurt to the cooked lamb, stirring constantly.

  - Continue to simmer the lamb and yogurt mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes. The sauce should thicken.

3. Prepare the Rice:

  - Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear.

  - In a separate pot, add the rice, water, a pinch of salt, and cook according to the package instructions until the rice is fluffy and tender.

4. Serve the Mansaf:

  - To serve, spread the cooked rice on a large serving platter.

  - Place the cooked lamb and yogurt sauce on top of the rice.

  - Garnish with toasted almonds, pine nuts, and ground cumin.

  - Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Enjoy: Mansaf is traditionally eaten with your hands, using the right hand to scoop up a portion of rice and lamb while enjoying the flavorful yogurt sauce.

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Nutrition Value

1. Lamb (2 lbs / 900g):

  - Calories: Approximately 1,782 calories

  - Protein: Approximately 176g

  - Fat: Approximately 120g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation, but it's generally low unless you add a significant amount of salt during cooking.

2. Plain Yogurt (2 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 220 calories

  - Protein: Approximately 16g

  - Fat: Approximately 16g

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 8g

  - Sodium: Approximately 220mg

3. Ghee or Clarified Butter (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: Approximately 240 calories

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: Approximately 28g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Sodium: Varies but generally low

4. Long-Grain Rice (2 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 432 calories

  - Protein: Approximately 8g

  - Fat: Approximately 1g

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 90g

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation, but it's generally low unless you add a significant amount of salt during cooking.

5. Toasted Almonds (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 205 calories

  - Protein: Approximately 7g

  - Fat: Approximately 18g

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 7g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1mg

6. Toasted Pine Nuts (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 229 calories

  - Protein: Approximately 5g

  - Fat: Approximately 23g

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 5g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1mg

7. Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 4 calories

  - Protein: Approximately 0.2g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.6g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1mg