Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Place potato and eggplant on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper, drizzle with 1/4 cup ghee. Toss to coat. Bake until vegetables are golden brown, about 30 minutes.
2. In a Dutch oven or large sauce pot, heat 2 tablespoons ghee over medium-high heat. Add onions, cook until golden brown, 5-6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate. To the same pot, add lamb stew meat, sear stew meat on all sides. Add 3 cups water to cover.
3. Place peppercorns, cardamom pods and cumin seeds on a double thickness of cheesecloth. Gather corners of cloth to enclose seasonings; tie securely with string. Add to the pot with cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, remaining 1 teaspoon salt and turmeric. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer; cook until lamb is tender, 40-45 minutes.
4. Discard spice bag, cinnamon sticks and bay leaves. Strain lamb and stock through a colander; reserving stock. Set lamb aside. Add water to stock until you have 5 cups.
5. To the same pot, add remaining 2 tablespoons ghee. Layer tomatoes over bottom of the pot. Top with roasted eggplant and potatoes, then cooked onions and lamb. Meanwhile, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear; evenly layer over lamb.
6. Pour reserved stock over rice (stock should completely cover rice). Return to stove; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until rice is tender, 40-45 minutes. Let rest, covered, 5 minutes. Remove lid; carefully flip the pot onto a large serving platter. Garnish with slivered nuts and parsley; serve family style.