Kuurdak (Kyrgyz Fried Lamb with Potatoes)
Local name: Куурдак
In short: Small pieces of lamb fried in their own fat until browned, then cooked with onion rings and potatoes. A plain, peppery Kyrgyz weekday dinner. It takes about 1 h 20 min in total and makes 5 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 20 min
- Servings
- 5
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 480 kcal
Kuurdak is the dish Kyrgyz cooks make when guests arrive without warning or when a sheep has just been butchered. Small pieces of lamb are fried in their own fat until dark and crisp at the edges, then onions and potatoes go in and soften in the juices. Seasoning stays very simple, just salt, black pepper and fresh herbs, so the taste of the meat comes through. Serve it with bread and a tomato salad.
Instructions
- Heat a wide, heavy pan or cast-iron pot over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and oil if needed and fry, stirring now and then, for 20 minutes until the fat renders and the meat is well browned.
- Add the onion rings and cook for 10 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden at the edges.
- Stir in the potatoes, salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the potatoes are nearly tender.
- Uncover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes more over medium heat so the potatoes pick up some color and the juices reduce.
- Taste and adjust the salt. Scatter with dill and cilantro and serve hot, straight from the pan.
Tips
- Choose lamb with some fat. Lean cuts will stick, so add the oil to start the browning.
- Beef chuck can replace lamb, but cut it smaller and add 15 minutes to the covered stage. Many cooks add sliced liver or heart for a more traditional kuurdak.
Questions and answers
What do you serve with kuurdak?
Fresh bread, a salad of sliced tomatoes and onion, and black tea. In Kyrgyzstan it is often eaten with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt.
Can I make kuurdak without potatoes?
Yes. Skip the potatoes and serve the lamb and onions with bread or rice. Reduce the covered stage to 10 minutes.
How do I reheat kuurdak?
Reheat in a hot frying pan for a few minutes so the edges crisp up again. It keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator.
How long does it take to make Kuurdak (Kyrgyz Fried Lamb with Potatoes)?
About 1 h 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Kuurdak (Kyrgyz Fried Lamb with Potatoes)?
About 480 kcal per serving, with 25 g of protein, 30 g of carbohydrates and 29 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 480 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
