Kharoof Mahshi

Kharoof Mahshi refers to a whole lamb or kid stuffed with rice and nuts. It's a dish common throughout the Persian Gulf and beyond. This recipe claims to be from Bahrain - though it's nearly identical to other Saudi Arabian recipes - and it's quite good. The stuffing is simply delicious.

INGREDIENTS

1 boneless leg of lamb, butterflied
2/3 cup onions, thinly sliced
2 tsp. coriander
1 tsp. candied ginger
1 tsp. salt
black ground pepper to taste.
1 1/4 cup cooked rice
2/3 cup pistachio nuts, chopped
1/4 cup almonds, chopped
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/3 cup butter, melted


DIRECTIONS


1. Heat the oven to 375F
2. Wash and pat dry the leg of lamb.
3. Mix 1/4 cup of onions with the coriander, the ginger and the salt and pepper.
4. Rub it all over the leg of lamb.
5. Mix the rice, the nuts, the raisins and the remaining onions.
6. Put the stuffing on half of the lamb and close it with the other half.
7. Tie it closed with kitchen string.
8. Put it in a roasting pan. Pour the melted butter over it and place it in the oven. 9. Cook it until done, about 20-25 minutes per pound.