Lamb And Orzo Stew (Youvetzi) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1 (5 -7 lb) leg of lamb, boned, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks and patted dry
2 lbs ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 medium onion, studded with 5 whole cloves
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch sugar
salt & freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 lb orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)
3 cups water
1/2 cup freshly grated kefalotyri (a Greek cheese) or 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Preparation

Heat olive oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add lamb and brown well on all sides.
Add tomatoes, onion,garlic,tomato paste, cinnamon, sugar and salt and pepper.
Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter in large heavy skillet over medium heat.
Add orzo and saute until completely coated; stir into lamb mixture.
Add water, cover and bake 1 hour;remove onion.
Sprinkle mixture with cheese; bake 5 minutes.
Transfer to platter and serve immediately.