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Lamb shanks or shoulder simmered directly in a yogurt broth that has been stabilized with egg and cornstarch until the sauce becomes thick, tangy, and deeply savory — the ancient dish whose name means "its mother's milk."
⏱ 105 min🍽 6 servings📍 Bekaa Valley
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The story
Laban ummu is one of the oldest dishes in the Levantine kitchen, appearing in Abbasid-era manuscripts and still cooked today in the same way. The name — "its mother's milk" — refers to the lamb being cooked in the very dairy that its mother produced, a poetic image that speaks to the circular logic of pastoral cooking. The Bekaa Valley, which has always been sheep country, is where this dish is made most expertly. The secret is stabilizing the yogurt before adding the meat: without egg and starch, the yogurt would split into watery curds. Once the yogurt sauce is stabilized and the lamb falls off the bone, the resulting broth is something between a cream sauce and a tart fondue that Lebanese families pour over rice and fight over.
Frequently asked questions
What is Laban Ummu — Lamb Cooked in Yogurt?
Lamb shanks or shoulder simmered directly in a yogurt broth that has been stabilized with egg and cornstarch until the sauce becomes thick, tangy, and deeply savory — the ancient dish whose name means "its mother's milk."
Where is Laban Ummu — Lamb Cooked in Yogurt from?
Laban Ummu — Lamb Cooked in Yogurt comes from Bekaa Valley. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Laban Ummu — Lamb Cooked in Yogurt vegetarian?
No — as written, Laban Ummu — Lamb Cooked in Yogurt includes meat, fish, or meat-based stock, so it is not vegetarian. See the ingredient list for the specific ingredients used.
What can I use instead of dried mint in Laban Ummu — Lamb Cooked in Yogurt?
The dried mint called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Laban Ummu — Lamb Cooked in Yogurt its traditional character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Laban Ummu — Lamb Cooked in Yogurt?
In a Levantine mains spread, Laban Ummu — Lamb Cooked in Yogurt is typically served with rice or warm flatbread, a simple salad such as fattoush or tabbouleh, and pickles or yogurt on the side.
Can I make Laban Ummu — Lamb Cooked in Yogurt ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.
Hear every step in Lebanese-Arabic
Step-by-step Lebanese-Arabic narration (text-to-speech) guides you hands-free. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
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