Greek-style Lamb, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lamb, onion, and garlic are good for building yang; rice and green beans are good for Spleen qi, or digestive energy, and herbs are good for moving qi.  This meal is great for autumn, especially when you have fresh herbs handy! 

Greek Style Lamb:

1/3 or a large white onion
3 cloves garlic
1/2 lb boneless lamb leg, chopped in bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon pesto
...1 green zebra tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon pureed tomatoes
1/2 cup water
large handful fresh herbs (in this case, a sprig of rosemary, and chives, mint, and oregano)
dash salt

Saute the onion for several minutes in a tablespoon or so of oil (I used walnut, but olive would be great too). Add the garlic and cook for about another minute, then add the lamb and brown on all sides, then add the chopped tomato. Mix the pesto, water, and tomato paste, and add to the lamb, then add the sprig of rosemary. Cover pan and allow to cook for 20-30 minutes on medium low, and just before serving add the rest of the fresh herbs and remove the sprig of rosemary. Serves 2.

Pesto Rice Pilaf
1 c white basmati rice
2 heaping T pesto
1 cup beef broth
1/2 water
...handful of chopped fresh herbs (same as above)
Put one cup of white basmati rice into a small saucepan with 1 tablespoon oil over med to med high heat. Stir constantly until you can smell the rice cooking and it may be slightly brown, about 2 minutes. Mix the pesto, beef broth, and water, and pour over the rice. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes, checking to see if all the water is absorbed after 10 minutes. Once all the water is absorbed, turn off the heat and allow to steam with the cover on for another 10 minutes. Just before serving, add the handful of fresh herbs, and toss with a fork. Makes enough for 3-4 servings.

Green Beans
Two large handfuls fresh green beans, stemmed and tails removed
2 cloves garlic
2 T pureed tomatoes
1/3 c water
...
Stir all ingredients after green beans together, and add to green beans. Turn on high until brought to boil, and cook until done, maybe 5 minutes. Add salt to taste and serve.