Lamb is a delicious and versatile type of meat, and some of my most favorite recipes are made with it. You know I love to share some of my favorite meals with you all, although it is hard not to keep them all to myself! Here are five yummy lamb recipes you’ll love to cook (and eat) this season:
Spicy Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Dipping Sauce
Rub small cuts of lamb with some cumin, paprika, allspice, chili flakes, and olive oil. Put them on a wooden skewer and cook on a preheated grill for about 4-5 minutes per side. Take down some of the heat of those spicy skewers with a delicious yogurt sauce! Use Greek yogurt for the creamiest and most healthy results, and add some lemon juice, garlic, and fresh mint to flavor your sauce. This makes a great snack or light meal when you are eating outdoors and enjoying a beer with friends, as it’s easy and fun to eat.
Lamb Meatballs and Red Wine Marinara
For a classic and romantic dinner night, lamb meatballs are a lovely choice. Make this classic meatball recipe with a twist, and pair it with a homemade tomato sauce. If you don’t want to use fresh tomatoes, you can use a can. Add garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a few tablespoons of dry red wine, then cook it down in a pot until it’s thickened. Pair it with al dente pasta for a big meal or some crusty bread and herbed olive oil and balsamic for something less heavy.
Lamb and Veggie Shepherd’s Pie
Is there a comfort food more beloved than a perfect shepherd’s pie? Change up the standard beef recipe for ground lamb instead, and if you want a more visually appealing pie you could scallop rather than mash the potatoes. This is one that the whole family will love, and it’s a crowd pleaser so if you have a potluck to go to this is a perfect dish to bring.
Lamb, Feta, and Leek Stuffed Mushrooms
If you want something lunch-appropriate and quick, put some ground lamb in a pan with a pad of butter and some chopped leeks. Once everything is cooked through, lightly sir in a small handful of feta cheese and toss together. Broil or grill a Portobello mushroom that’s been rubbed down with olive oil, salt, and pepper and then stuff with your mixture. This recipe is packed full of flavor, works well for all seasons, and is easy for even the most inexperienced cooks. It also pairs well with white wine and wild rice.
Leg of Lamb with Pesto and Asparagus
This pairing is simple but really delicious. If you have basil growing outdoors, it’s a great chance to use it up before the cold gets to it. The pesto is best if left overnight for the flavors to combine, and it does really well when frozen and reheated in a pan if you want to make and store extra. Shave some Parmesan over the asparagus, and use a grater to add some lemon zest.
Those are my delicious and simple recipes using lamb, feel free to try them out and let me know; what are your favorite lamb dishes?
Delicia Warren is a freelance writer, passionate about the environment, organic farming and food production. An advocate for a holistic approach to the world’s problems, she has a particular interest in the small changes individuals can make to their lifestyle to minimize their environmental footprint.