Iraqi Lamb and Eggplant Stew With Pitas

Adapted from Food & Wine magazine, November 2007 issue.

• Ready In: 1 hr 40 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4 bowls

Ingredients

• 1  large eggplant, sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick (1 1/2 pound)
• 1⁄4 cup  vegetable oil, plus
• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 4 (1 1/4lb)  lamb shanks
•  fresh ground pepper
• 1  large  white onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup pomegranate molasses
• 1⁄2 cup  dried split yellow peas (3 oz)
• 4  dried red chilies
• 2  teaspoons baharat, spice blend or 2  teaspoons garam masala
• 2  teaspoons ground coriander
• 8  small  pita bread, wedges warmed

Directions

1. In a bowl, dissolve 2 tsp of salt in 1 quart of water. Add the eggplant, cover with a plate to keep the slices under the water, soak for 30 minute.
2. Meanwhile, in a large dutch oven or cast-iron casserole pot, heat 2 Tbl of the oil. Season the lamb with salt and pepper and cook over high heat, turning once until well browned, about 5 minutes per side. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened about 10 minutes. Add 3 quarts of water, the pomegranate molasses, split peas, dried chiles, baharat and coriander and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes stirring and skimming every so often.
3. Drain the eggplant and pat dry. In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 1/2 Tbl of the oil. Add 1/3 of the eggplant and cook over med-high heat until browned, 3 minutes per side; transfer to paper towels to drain. Brown the remaining eggplant in the 3 Tbl of oil. Add the eggplant to the lamb and simmer over low heat, stirring until the lamb is tender, 45 minutes.
4. Transfer the lamb to a rimmed baking sheet, remove the meat from the bones and cut into 1-inch chunks. Boil the stew over high heat, skimming, until the liquid has reduced to 3 cups, about 40 minutes.
5. Return the lamb to the stew and season with salt and pepper. Divid the pita among 4 bowls, ladle the soup on top and serve.