Tas Kebabi (Kebap in an Earthenware Bowl)

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 1/2 pounds boneless lamb stew meat, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground allspice berries
• 2 medium-size onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons seeded and finely chopped green bell pepper
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

1. In a large, heavy casserole, melt 2 1/2 tablespoons of the butter over high heat, then brown the lamb in it on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the lamb pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons butter to the casserole, melt, and cook the onions and green pepper until the onions are soft, about 8 minutes, stirring. Add the tomato paste dissolved in the water. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the casserole, then add the allspice, cinnamon, salt and pepper, and 2 tablespoons of parsley.

3. Return the lamb to the casserole, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the lamb is tender and the sauce thick, about 3 hours. Sprinkle the meat with the remaining 2 tablespoons parsley and serve.

Makes 4 to 6 servings