Recipe: Sikbaj

Sikbaj
Makes 6 servings

1 1/2 pounds lamb or beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups beef consomm
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 cups sliced peeled carrots
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons wine vinegar
1 tablespoon coarsely ground pepper

2 tablespoons lemon juice
8 ounces figs, canned or fresh*
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup raisins
salt to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Brown meat in hot oil in large heavy saucepan. Add consomm , onions, carrots and cinnamon. Cover and simmer 1-1/2 hours. Add honey, vinegar, pepper and lemon juice. Cook 1 hour longer, stirring occasionally. Add figs, almonds, raisins and 1/2 cup fig juice or water; cook 5 minutes longer. Adjust seasoning with salt. Sprinkle with parsley.

Tip: Excellent served with rice, spinach, salad and fresh fruit.

*Drain canned figs and reserve 1/2 cup juice. If fresh figs are used, 1/2 cup water is needed to replace fig juice.