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1
Heat the oil in a 6-quart or larger pressure cooker.
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2
Add the onions and cumin seeds and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
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3
Stir in the water, lentils, prunes, and lamb.
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4
Set the eggplant on top.
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5
Sprinkle with the salt and cinnamon.
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6
Lock the lid in place.
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7
Over high heat bring to high pressure.
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8
Reduce the heat just enough to maintain high pressure and cook for 12 minutes.
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9
Turn off the heat.
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10
Allow the pressure to come down naturally, about 10 minutes.
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11
Remove the lid, tilting it away from you to allow steam to escape.
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12
Skim off any fat that rises to the top.
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13
Stir well to blend in the eggplant.
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14
Add more cinnamon and salt, if needed.
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15
Stir in the lemon zest and enough of the lemon juice to balance the sweetness of the prunes.
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16
To prepare the Minted Yogurt, stir the yogurt and mint together.
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17
Serve each portion of stew with a generous dollop of Minted Yogurt on top.
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18
Variations
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19
Vegetarian Version: Decrease cumin to 1 teaspoon.
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20
Increase water to 3 cups and lentils to 1 1/2 cups.
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21
Omit lamb.
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22
After cooking, stir in 1 teaspoon harissa (Moroccan chile paste) or a generous pinch of cayenne.
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23
Use fresh cilantro instead of mint in yogurt topping.
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24
Transformation (Follow basic recipe except as noted.)
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25
Moroccan Chicken and Lentil Stew: Instead of lamb, use 3 to 4 pounds bone-in, skinned chicken parts.
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26
Cook for 8 minutes high pressure plus natural pressure release.