Greetings from Wisconsin which actually seems to be thawing at the moment. Winter rarely leaves without one last-laugh snowstorm, so I’m not relaxing yet, but it’s great to go outside without wincing.
I am actually writing a Blaze set in winter in Wisconsin, so it’s been timely. My poor hero has just moved from his home state of California and isn’t quite sure what hit him. My heroine of course, is happy to find ways to warm him up. I was feeling sort of punchy when making up their names: Candy Graham and Justin Case.
(Ba-da-BA)
Speaking of warming, we’re about to have a main course for our Lebanese dinner. This is a very easy and comforting lamb and green bean stew which is made unusual and slightly exotic by the addition of a touch of cinnamon. Spring is the best time for lamb of course, and about the only time you can find it here in Milwaukee, at least at my regular supermarket. This is pork and beef country. Sausage and cheese! But give this stew a try, it’s really good, and something different on the table while waiting for appropriate weather to fire up the grill. Amounts are to be played with to your taste. You can’t mess this up. Serve with rice and pita. Hummus is great on the same plate.
Lebanese Lamb and Green Bean Stew
2 lbs fresh green beans, tipped and tailed, cut into 2″ lengths
1 lb lamb shoulder (or if you can get a nice slice of leg, even better)
1 T olive oil (approx)
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup crushed tomatoes in tomato puree
Cut meat into 1-inch cubes, saute in oil in a large pot for 10 minutes. Add onions, garlic, cinnamon, salt and pepper, saute 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water and simmer 10 minutes, uncovered. Mix in beans and tomatoes, add water to ½ the depth of the mixture. Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes on medium-low until meat and beans are tender. Serves 4-6.
A great easy salad accompaniment, is sliced, peeled cucumbers mixed with yoghurt, salt and garlic and topped with fresh chopped (or dried crumbled) spearmint.
Enjoy!
Isabel
www.IsabelSharpe.com
Entries (RSS)
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!! Love the names of your characters, and I so hope you keep them. Don’t let anyone talk you out of it okay.
Isabel, you have some of the best recipes. I should probably start cooking more…Le Sigh! The dish sounds delish. Enjoy!
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Hi, Paula! My editor has already seen the character names and didn’t object so I think they’re keepers. It’s actually pretty fun to have a Blaze heroine named Candy. You can guess why.
Glad you’re enjoying the recipes!
Isabel
I think we should all have a Mr. Justin Case. Kind of like emergency candles and extra food in the pantry. Good one.
Isabel I love your recipes so much. I’m going to try this. Yum. I love that you throw everything together including the beans. Sounds delicious.
Nancy
Nancy, great idea of the man in the closet for emergencies. I’d love that. Haul him out once in a while, but then put him back when I’m done and close the door. Maybe that’s the best kind of man to have.
Oh Isabel, and you write romance??? For shame! :-O
Isabel
I bought fresh garbanzo beans last week in your honor. I think I had some fantasy about making green hummus. Ate them first.
wow, Heather, I’ve never had fresh garbanzos. I bet they were delicious.
Isabel
I agree with Paula, I love the names.
Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Hey, Nicole, glad you like Justin and Candy’s names! I’m having fun with them.
(Too much Candy before bedtime . . .?)
Isabel