2½cups500 g basmati rice, soaked in water for 30 minutes and drained
½cup120 ml/4 fl oz plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1lb455 g boneless lamb or beef shoulder, cut into ¼-inch (6 mm) pieces
2bunches cilantrocoriander, very finely chopped (stems included)
2bunches scallionsspring onions, thinly sliced
½teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Fill a large Dutch oven (casserole) or other ovenproof pot with water and a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until just past halfway tender, 5–7 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (°190C/Gas Mark 5). Grease the Dutch oven with 1 tablespoon oil. Return the drained rice to the Dutch oven along with the lamb, cilantro (coriander), and scallions (spring onions). In a medium bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup (75 ml/2½ fl oz) water, the ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) oil, salt, and pepper, then pour over the rice mixure and mix thoroughly. Cover the Dutch oven and bake until the rice is fully tender and the meat is cooked, about 1 hour.
Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before uncovering. Serve hot.