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Holidays & Special Occasions

Eid Feast Stuffed Lamb (Kharuf Mahshi lil-Eid)

sjfegan

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10
Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 whole leg of lamb, bone-in (about 2.5 kg / 5.5 lb)
  • 550g (3 cups) Rice, partially cooked
  • 150g (1 cup) Mixed dried fruit (apricots, raisins), chopped
  • 70g (1/2 cup) Toasted almonds and pine nuts
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 115g (1/2 cup) Ghee, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • Salt to taste

Method

  1. Combine the partially cooked rice, dried fruit, toasted nuts, cinnamon and allspice for the stuffing.
  2. Rub the lamb all over with crushed garlic, half the melted ghee and salt.
  3. Make a pocket in the leg of lamb (or use a butterflied cut) and fill generously with the stuffing, securing with kitchen string.
  4. Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).
  5. Place the lamb in a large roasting pan and drizzle with the remaining ghee.
  6. Roast for 3–3.5 hours, basting occasionally, until very tender.
  7. Let rest for 20 minutes before carving and presenting to the gathered celebration.

Introduction: A whole lamb stuffed with spiced rice, dried fruit and nuts, prepared for Eid celebrations and the grandest occasions of Abbasid festive life.

Cultural Background: Eid celebrations held deep religious and social significance across the Abbasid Caliphate, and preparing an elaborately stuffed whole lamb represented the height of festive hospitality, shared generously among family, neighbours and community.

Tips: Roast low and slow for the lamb to become properly tender while the stuffing cooks through fully. This dish is traditionally prepared generously to share among a large gathering, reflecting Eid’s spirit of community and hospitality.

Variations: Add a few dried figs to the stuffing for extra sweetness. Serve alongside additional rice and a selection of salads for a complete Eid spread.

Storage: Refrigerate leftover lamb and stuffing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently, covered, in an oven at 150°C (300°F) until warmed through.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 520 kcal, 34 g protein, 26 g fat, 38 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: How significant was Eid in Abbasid society?

A: Eid celebrations held deep religious and social importance throughout the caliphate, marked by generous feasting and hospitality shared widely among family and community.

Q: Was such an elaborate stuffed lamb dish reserved for special occasions?

A: Yes, the scale and richness of this dish reflect the celebratory, communal spirit of Eid, distinct from the simpler everyday cooking of most households.

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