LAMB STEW WITH LEMON AND FIGS

Steps:

• Set strainer lined with double layer of cheesecloth over medium bowl.
• Place yogurt in strainer; cover and chill 3 to 5 hours to drain.
• Transfer yogurt to small bowl.
• Stir in mint; season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill.).
• Place 1/2 cup warm water and saffron in small bowl; let stand at least 20 minutes to infuse.
• Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat.
• Working in batches, cook lamb until brown on all sides, adding more oil as needed, about 5 minutes per batch.
• Transfer lamb to large bowl.
• Pour all but 1 tablespoon fat from pot (or add 1 tablespoon oil if dry); heat pot over medium heat.
• Add onions; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
• Add lemon, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne.
• Stir 1 minute.
• Add saffron mixture; stir, scraping up browned bits.
• Add tomatoes with juice, figs, and lamb with any juices to pot.
• Stir to coat.
• Add 2 1/2 cups broth.
• Bring stew to boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low, then cover with lid slightly ajar and simmer until meat is tender, stirring occasionally and adding more broth by 1/4 cupfuls as needed if dry, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper (Can be made 2 days ahead.
• Cool slightly.
• Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and chill, skim off any fat.).
• Bring stew to simmer, thinning with more chicken broth if necessary.
• Divide stew among 6 plates; top each serving with dollop of minted yogurt.