Gheimeh

Ingredients

• French fries - For serving
• Water - 4 cups
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper - To taste
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric - 1 teaspoon
• Dried lime - 2 whole
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 large, chopped
• Lamb or beef stew meat - 1 pound, cubed
• Yellow split peas - 1 cup

Instructions

1. Rinse the yellow split peas and soak them in water for 1 hour.
2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until golden brown.
4. Add the cubed meat and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
6. Drain the soaked split peas and add them to the pot.
7. Add the dried limes and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat and split peas are tender.
8. Remove the dried limes from the pot and discard.
9. Serve the gheimeh hot with steamed rice and French fries on top.