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Grilled Lamb Leg with Nut Rice, Vegetable Soup, and Daqoos Salad – A Nutritious Ramadan Meal

Grilled lamb leg with nut rice, vegetable soup, and daqoos salad is one of the most nutritious Ramadan dishes, providing essential nutrients for the body after long hours of fasting. This meal contains the necessary protein for muscle building, iron for healthy blood, and zinc and vitamin B12, which boost immunity. The nut rice offers carbohydrates for energy, while the vegetable soup supplies the body with vitamins and minerals that support overall health and digestion. As for the daqoos salad, it is rich in antioxidants that protect cells and promote heart health. However, it is best to consume this meal in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake, especially from nuts and fatty meats.

 Grilled Lamb Leg with Nut Rice, Vegetable Soup, and Daqoos Salad

Ingredients:

1. Grilled Lamb Leg:

• 1 lamb leg (2-3 kg)
• 3 tbsp yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried coriander
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 4 cloves garlic, mashed
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried thyme

2. Nut Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3 tbsp ghee
• ½ cup toasted almonds
• ½ cup toasted cashews
• ½ cup raisins
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt

3. Vegetable Soup:

• 2 cups water
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 potato, chopped
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, mashed
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

4. Daqoos Salad:

• 2 mashed tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic, mashed
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Healthy Alternatives

To make the grilled lamb leg recipe healthier and less fatty, consider the following substitutions:

✅ Use low-fat yogurt instead of full-fat yogurt in the marinade to reduce fat content without compromising tenderness and flavor.
✅ Replace ghee with olive oil when marinating the meat, as olive oil provides a rich flavor and more health benefits.
✅ Reduce the amount of salt and replace it with lemon juice or vinegar to enhance the flavor without increasing sodium level

Preparation Method

1. Preparing the Grilled Lamb Leg

✅ Preparation Time: 6 hours (including marination)
✅ Cooking Time: 3 hours
✅ Total Time: 9 hours

Marinade Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, olive oil, mashed garlic, lemon juice, dried coriander, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme.
2. Use a spoon or whisk to blend the ingredients until a smooth mixture is formed.

Marinating the Lamb Leg:

1. Make small cuts in the lamb leg using a sharp knife to help the marinade penetrate the meat.
2. Rub the marinade all over the lamb, ensuring it is fully covered.
3. Place the lamb in a sealed plastic bag or covered container and refrigerate for 4-6 hours (preferably overnight for deeper flavor).

Grilling the Lamb Leg:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) for 10 minutes before placing the lamb.
2. Place the lamb leg in a suitable baking tray and add ½ cup of water to the bottom of the tray to prevent the meat from drying out.
3. Cover the lamb with aluminum foil and bake for 2.5 hours.
4. After 2.5 hours, remove the foil and allow it to brown for an additional 30 minutes, basting it with its juices every 10 minutes to keep it moist.
5. Check for doneness using a fork or knife; if the juices run clear, it is ready.
6. Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

2. Preparing the Nut Rice

✅ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
✅ Cooking Time: 25 minutes
✅ Total Time: 35 minutes

Rice Preparation:

1. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Soak the rice in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain it well.

Toasting the Nuts:

1. In a pan over medium heat, melt the ghee and add the almonds, cashews, and raisins.
2. Stir continuously until the nuts turn golden brown, then remove them and set them aside.

Cooking the Rice:

1. In the same pan, add the rice to the remaining ghee and stir for 2 minutes to absorb the nutty flavor.
2. Add the cinnamon, salt, and hot chicken broth, then stir the mixture.
3. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then cover the pot and reduce the heat.
4. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
5. When serving, sprinkle the toasted nuts on top of the rice.

3. Preparing the Vegetable Soup

✅ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
✅ Cooking Time: 20 minutes
✅ Total Time: 30 minutes

Sautéing the Ingredients:

1. In a pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onions and mashed garlic, stirring until they soften and become translucent.

Adding the Vegetables:

1. Add the carrots, zucchini, and potatoes, then continue stirring for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Cooking the Soup:

1. Add the water, salt, and black pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until the vegetables are fully cooked.
3. Use a hand blender to puree the soup if you prefer a smooth consistency, or serve it as is for a hearty texture.

4. Preparing Daqoos Salad

✅ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
✅ Chilling Time: 30 minutes
✅ Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredient Preparation:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, add mashed tomatoes, crushed garlic, white vinegar, salt, black pepper, cumin, and olive oil.

Mixing the Salad:

2. Stir the ingredients well until fully combined and the flavors are infused.

Chilling and Serving:

3. Place the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor blend.
4. Serve it chilled alongside grilled dishes or rice.

Tips for Perfect Results:

✅ For a stronger flavor in roasted lamb leg: Marinate it for 12 hours or more.
✅ For perfect rice: Use hot chicken broth instead of plain water and keep the pot tightly covered while cooking.
✅ For a richer soup: Add a teaspoon of fresh cream when serving.
✅ For a spicier daqoos sauce: Add ½ teaspoon of ground chili pepper.

Unique Presentation Ideas

To present grilled lamb leg in a professional and appealing way:

✔ Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh color and taste.
✔ Serve with a special sauce like garlic-mint yogurt sauce or pomegranate sauce for a unique flavor.
✔ Pair it with spiced basmati rice, garnished with nuts and raisins for a luxurious touch.
✔ Plate it on grilled vegetables such as colorful bell peppers and broccoli to enhance both nutrition and flavor balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Lamb Leg

1. How long does cooked lamb leg stay fresh?

• It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months if well-wrapped in aluminum foil or a freezer bag.

2. Can I grill lamb leg over charcoal instead of in the oven?

• Yes, but it’s better to cut it into smaller pieces for even cooking.
• Grill it over medium heat while flipping regularly to retain its juices and flavor.

3. What is the best type of rice to serve with this dish?

• Basmati rice is ideal as it’s light and complements the strong flavors of lamb.
• Jasmine rice can be a good alternative for those who prefer a slightly sticky texture.

4. How can I make the meat more tender?

• Soaking the lamb in yogurt for 12 hours before marinating helps break down the fibers.
• Adding a teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in the marinade enhances tenderness.
• Slow cooking on low heat ensures soft, melt-in-your-mouth meat.

5. What are the best spices to enhance lamb leg flavor?

• Cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves add a deep, warm flavor.
• Rosemary and thyme provide a fragrant, aromatic touch.
• Garlic and onion powder intensify the meat’s richness

Nutritional Values of All Ingredients and Their Benefits

1. Grilled Lamb Leg (Per 100g Cooked Meat):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 17g
• Iron: 2.7mg (15% of daily requirement)
• Zinc: 4.5mg (41% of daily requirement)
• Vitamin B12: 2.6mcg (108% of daily requirement)

✅ Nutritional Benefit: Lamb meat is rich in protein, essential for muscle building. It also contains iron to support blood health, along with zinc and vitamin B12 to boost immunity and nerve function.

2. Nut Rice (Per 1 Cup Cooked Rice):

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g

✅ Nutritional Benefit: Basmati rice provides sustained energy, while nuts are packed with healthy fats that promote heart health. Fiber aids digestion and supports gut health.

3. Vegetable Soup (Per Small Bowl):

• Calories: 90
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 2200 IU (44% of daily requirement)
• Vitamin C: 15mg (25% of daily requirement)

✅ Nutritional Benefit: Vegetable soup is loaded with vitamins and minerals that strengthen immunity and help keep the body hydrated after long fasting hours.

4. Daqoos Salad (Per 2 Tablespoons):

• Calories: 25
• Vitamin C: 10mg (17% of daily requirement)
• Lycopene: 5000mcg

✅ Nutritional Benefit: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants that protect cells and support heart health, while garlic boosts immunity and helps lower blood pressure.