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Pomegranate lamb luwombo.

Pomegranate Lamb Luwombo

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A modern take on Ugandan luwombo, the royal Baganda dish traditionally steamed in banana leaves. Lamb, pomegranate, and parchment reimagine the technique.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 portions 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 kg (6.6 lb) lamb
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 parsnip, sliced
  • 1 red chili pepper, halved
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 rosemary sprigs, chopped
  • 2 sage sprigs, chopped
  • 2 dl (¾ cup) white wine
  • 1 pomegranate, seeds only
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp pomegranate syrup
  • 2 dl (¾ cup) beef stock
  • 1 ½ tsp paprika
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 225°C (435°F). Season the lamb with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Place the pieces on a roasting tray and roast for about 20 minutes, until deeply browned. Turn and roast until the other side is also browned.
  2. Reduce the oven temperature to 150°C (300°F).
  3. Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.
  4. Add the carrots, parsnip, and chili. Sauté for a few more minutes until slightly tender.
  5. Stir in the chopped rosemary, sage, and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce.
  7. Add the pomegranate seeds and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes while stirring.
  8. Stir in the pomegranate syrup.
  9. Pour in the beef stock and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened, if needed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  10. Lay two overlapping sheets of parchment paper inside a deep bowl or bread basket. Place half of the browned lamb in the center and spoon over half of the sauce.
  11. Cover with additional parchment paper and wrap tightly to seal. Tie securely with butcher’s twine. Repeat to form a second parcel.
  12. Place the parcels in a baking dish and cook in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 3 ½-4 hours, until the lamb is very tender.
  13. Carefully open the parcels and serve. Enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours