Halal Cart Lamb Recipes

SERIOUS EATS' HALAL CART-STYLE CHICKEN AND RICE WITH WHITE SAUCE

Steps:

• For the chicken: Combine the lemon juice, oregano, coriander, garlic, and olive oil in a blender. Blend until smooth. Season the marinade to taste with kosher salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in a 1-gallon zipper-lock bag and add half of the marinade (reserve the remaining marinade in the refrigerator). Turn the chicken to coat, seal the bag, and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours, turning occasionally to redistribute the marinade (see Note).
• Remove the chicken from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. Season with kosher salt and pepper, going heavy on the pepper. Heat the oil in a 12-inch heavy-bottomed cast iron or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat until it is lightly smoking. Add the chicken pieces and cook without disturbing until they are lightly browned on the first side, about 4 minutes. Using tongs, flip the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the center of each thigh registers 165°F. on an instant-read thermometer, about 6 minutes longer. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
• Using a chef's knife, roughly chop the chicken into 1/2- to 1/4-inch chunks. Transfer to a medium bowl, add the remaining marinade, cover loosely with plastic, and refrigerate while you cook the rice and prepare the sauce.
• For the rice: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Add the turmeric and cumin and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the rice and stir to coat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted, about 4 minutes. Add the chicken broth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Raise the heat to high and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes without disturbing. Remove from the heat and allow to rest until the water is completely absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
• For the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, parsley, and 2 teaspoons black pepper. Whisk to combine. Season to taste with salt.
• To serve: Return the entire contents of the chicken bowl (chicken, marinade, and all juices) to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. To serve, divide the rice, lettuce, tomato, and toasted pita bread evenly among four to six plates. Pile the chicken on top of the rice. Top with the white sauce and hot sauce. Serve immediately, passing extra sauce at the table.

HALAL CART-STYLE YELLOW RICE

Steps:

• Rinse the rice a few times until the water runs clean.
• Heat the olive oil in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until translucent and a bit golden, about 5 minutes. Add the rice, turmeric, cumin and 1 teaspoon salt and stir to combine. Add the chicken broth and 2 cups water and turn the heat to medium high.
• Bring the liquid to a boil, then lower the heat to medium. Cover the pan and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes so it can finish steaming. Fluff with a fork before serving.

HALAL CART LAMB

Steps:

• Put the cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, coriander, sumac, allspice, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric and garlic in a large bowl and stir well. Add the lamb and give it a good stir to make sure all the pieces are coated with the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate, refrigerated, for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add half of the lamb and spread it into one layer, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is fully cooked, brown and caramelized on all sides, about 15 minutes. Toss the lamb with 1/2 teaspoon salt and transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining lamb. Serve with yellow rice, white sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and pita.