Curried Goat Stew with Herbed Rice, CSA Sharebox Week 2

No, a goat did not come in the share box this week. But the next best thing: While waiting for my husband at Home Depot this weekend, I walked over to the North Atherton farmers market set up in the parking lot. The first stall was selling goat meat (I know their web site does not mention goats, but it's them). I had to try it.

This Jamaican-inspired recipe also makes use of the green onions, cauliflower, and herbs I received in my weekly share. The key to tender goat is cooking it at a low temperature.

Serves 4

Ingredients
1 pound cubed goat meat (or you can use pork or lamb)
1Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped onions
1-1/2 cup vegetable or chicken stock
1 bay leaf
1 cup sweet potato or yam, cubed
1 cup cauliflower, separated into florets
1 cup basmati rice
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp each, minced fresh herb: cilantro, dill, mint


Procedure
Combine the goat meat with the curry power, red pepper flakes, garlic, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece of meat is coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven on medium-low heat and then add the meat, browning on all sides. Remove the meat to a dish and set aside, then cook the onions and celery until tender. Return the meat to the pot along with the stock and bay leaf. Simmer covered on low for an hour.

After an hour add the sweet potatoes and cook for 15 more minutes.

Now is a good time to cook the rice. To 1 cup of rice add 2 cups of water and 1/2 tsp salt, bring to a boil, cover and lower the temperature to low. When the rice is done, fluff with a fork, then finish with the butter and herbs.

After the sweet potatoes have been cooking for about 15 minutes, add the cauliflower. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until everything is fork-tender. Serve with the rice.

This recipe is dedicated to my friend Naana who told me how she misses goat meat, a common ingredient in her native country Ghana.

Why did the ram run over the cliff?
Answer: ...He didn't see the ewe turn.