Zardalu Polo

Ingredients

 * 1/2 cup butter
 * 1 onion, finely chopped
 * 1 lb lean lamb fillets, cubed
 * salt, pepper
 * 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
 * 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
 * 2 1/2 tablespoons seedless raisins, preferably golden
 * 4 ounces fresh apricots or dried apricots, halved
 * 2 cups long-grain rice, washed in 3 changes of water

Directions

 * Heat butter in heavy pan and fry onion until golden.
 * Add meat and brown on all sides.
 * Season to taste with salt, pepper, turmeric and cinnamon.
 * Mix in raisins and apricots.
 * Add water (about 3/4 cup) to cover.
 * Cover and simmer over very low heat 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until meat is very tender.
 * Stir occasionally to prevent scorching, adding water if necessary.
 * Texture should be thick but pourable.
 * Boil 4 cups water, add 1/2 teaspoon salt and rice.
 * Bring to boil again and boil 2 minutes, then reduce heat, cover pan and cook over low heat 10 to 15 minutes or until almost tender.
 * Fluff with fork.
 * Arrange rice and stew in alternate layers in heavy saucepan, beginning and ending with layers of rice.
 * Set over very low heat, stretch clean cloth over pot and place cover over cloth.
 * Steam 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.