Shakriya (Arabic Meat in Yogurt Sauce)
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Yield: About 6 to 8 servings, if served along with rice
 
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1½ to 2 lbs (680 to 910 g) red meat (lamb, beef, or bison), trimmed of fat and cubed
  • Water, to cover the meat
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed using a mortar and pestle
  • 32 oz (910 g) plain, low-fat yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water to form a slurry
  • Salt to taste
  • Prepared rice, for serving (topped with toasted nuts, if desired)
Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 5-quart pot over medium-high heat. When the oil starts to ripple, add the meat and let it brown on one side (about 3 to 5 minutes) before stirring it. Stir the meat and add just enough water to cover it (about 3 cups/710 ml). Add the bouillon cubes and bay leaf. Bring it up to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer and cook (covered) until the meat is tender, about 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water if necessary (you should have about 2 cups/475 ml of water left in the pot after cooking the meat).
  2. Add the yogurt and cornstarch slurry to the meat. Cook over low heat until it comes to a simmer, stirring continuously in one direction with a wooden spoon.
  3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil with the crushed garlic in a small skillet over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the sauteed garlic to the soup.
  4. Taste the soup and add salt as desired.
  5. Serve with prepared rice.
Recipe by An Edible Mosaicâ„¢ at https://www.anediblemosaic.com/arabic-meat-in-yogurt-sauce-shakriya/