Beshbarmak with Lamb

Shopping list

• 800 g boneless lamb shoulder — cut into large chunks

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• 2 l water

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• 3 piece onions — 2 halved, 1 finely sliced

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• 2 piece bay leaves

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• 1 tsp black peppercorns

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• 1.5 tsp salt — plus more to taste

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• 300 g plain flour — plus extra for dusting

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• 1 piece egg — lightly beaten

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• 100 ml water for dough — approximately

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• 30 g butter

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• 0.5 tsp black pepper

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• 20 g fresh dill — chopped, to serve

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Step by step

1. 1

   Place the lamb chunks, halved onions, bay leaves, peppercorns and 1 teaspoon salt in a large pot with the 2 litres of water. Bring to the boil, then skim off any foam.

2. 2

   Lower the heat and simmer gently for 2 hours until the lamb is very tender and the broth is deeply flavoured. Top up with water if necessary.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, make the pasta: in a large bowl combine the flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the beaten egg and enough water to form a firm but pliable dough.

4. 4

   Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp tea towel and rest for 30 minutes.

5. 5

   Roll the dough out on a floured surface until very thin (about 2 mm). Cut into large rectangles or diamond shapes, roughly 10 × 15 cm. Dust with flour and set aside.

6. 6

   Remove the lamb from the broth and shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces. Strain the broth and discard the onion halves, bay leaves and peppercorns. Return the broth to the pot and bring back to a gentle boil.

7. 7

   Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat, add the finely sliced onion and cook for 8– 10 minutes until soft and just beginning to turn golden. Season with salt and black pepper.

8. 8

   Cook the pasta sheets in the simmering broth in batches for 3– 4 minutes until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.

9. 9

   To serve, arrange the pasta on a large platter, top with the shredded lamb and sautéed onions, then ladle over some of the hot broth. Garnish with chopped dill.

10. 10

    Serve immediately, with extra broth on the side for diners to add as they wish.