One-Pot Xinjiang Lamb Rice (Rice cooker)

Over 25 years ago, As I stepped into my dear friend Zhang’s cozy apartment in Chengdu, the aroma of fragrant spices and sizzling meat instantly transported me back to the bustling streets of Xinjiang. My friend who is a proud Uyghur, had graciously invited me to experience a taste of her family's traditional Xinjiang Lamb Rice, a dish that had been passed down through generations.  

Xinjiang, a vast and diverse region in the far northwest of China, is home to the Uyghur people, a Muslim minority group with a rich cultural heritage. This Lamb Rice dish, a staple in Uyghur cuisine

Ingredients:

- 450g rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes

- 520g lamb leg, cut into large cubes

- 3 carrots, sliced

- 700ml water

- A handful of raisins

- 3 tbsp cooking oil

- 1 tsp cumin powder

- 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Heat the 3 tbsp of cooking oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add the lamb cubes and stir-fry until the color changes and the lamb fat renders out, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the sliced onions and carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

4. Sprinkle in the cumin powder and salt. Stir to coat the lamb and vegetables evenly.

5. Pour in the 700ml of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.

6. Transfer half of the lamb and broth mixture to your rice cooker. Add the soaked rice on top.

7. Pour the remaining lamb and broth over the rice. 

8. Close the rice cooker and set it to the regular rice cooking setting.

9. Once the rice cooker has finished cooking, open it up and gently mix the rice, lamb, vegetables, and raisins together until well combined.

10. Serve the Xinjiang Lamb Rice hot, allowing your guests to enjoy this flavorful one-pot dish with their hands, if desired.

The combination of the tender lamb, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice all cooked together in the rice cooker makes for an easy and authentic Uyghur-style meal. Enjoy the flavors of Xinjiang in the comfort of your own home!