Spiced Lamb Mandi with Basmati Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant rice dish featuring tender lamb simmered in warm spices and aromatic broth. This yemeni-inspired one pot ready in about 105 minutes pairs Lamb shoulder, Basmati rice, medium Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 80 min Serves 6 Yemeni cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 medium sliced onions and cook for 8 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 cinnamon stick. Stir for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and cook for 5 minutes, browning on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, 4 cardamom pods, 4 cloves, and 1 diced tomato. Bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 cups rinsed basmati rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Remove cinnamon stick and cardamom pods before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Lamb Mandi with Basmati Rice take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (25 min prep + 80 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Lamb Mandi with Basmati Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Lamb Mandi with Basmati Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Lamb Mandi with Basmati Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Lamb Mandi with Basmati Rice?

Yemeni one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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