Lamb dish with dill

Lamb with Dill - a recipe that blends tradition with unmistakable flavors, perfect for turning any meal into a celebration. This dish is not just a simple preparation, but a story about family, memories, and special moments spent together. So, get ready to discover how to transform leftover lamb from holiday feasts into a delicacy that everyone will adore.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 1 leg of lamb, cut into portions (approximately 1 kg)
- 1 large white onion, finely chopped
- 1 green onion, for garnish
- 1 cup of rice (approximately 200g), washed
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice or 500g fresh tomatoes, peeled
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 glass (200ml) of white wine (optional, but recommended)
- A bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- Spices: curry, vegetable seasoning, sweet paprika, thyme
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation of the lamb dish

1. Seasoning the meat: The night before cooking, it's recommended to season the lamb. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and other preferred spices such as curry and thyme. Cover the meat with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator. This step will enhance the flavors and make the meat more tender.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the grated carrot and diced red bell pepper, continuing to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.

3. Adding the meat: Add the seasoned lamb to the pot and brown it on all sides, about 10 minutes. This step will seal in the juices of the meat and enhance the flavor of the dish.

4. Boiling the meat: After the lamb is browned, add hot water until the meat is covered. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 1 hour. At this stage, the flavor of the meat will blend with the vegetables, creating a delicious base.

5. Adding the tomatoes: Once the meat has boiled, remove 3-4 cups of broth from the pot (this will be used for the rice). Add the canned tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well. Place the pot in the oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes. This step will allow the dish to caramelize slightly, adding extra flavor.

6. Finalizing the dish: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the white wine, chopped herbs (dill and parsley), and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation of the rice

The rice can be cooked either in water or in the lamb broth you removed from the pot. If you choose the broth option, it will add an amazing flavor to the rice.

1. Cooking the rice: In a separate pot, add 1 cup of washed rice and 2 cups of lamb broth. Boil over medium heat until the rice absorbs all the liquid and becomes fluffy, about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer softer rice, add more water or broth.

2. Serving: Once the lamb is cooked and the rice is ready, serve the dish with a generous portion of rice topped with lamb. Garnish with chopped green onion and fresh dill.

Interesting variations

If you want to add a personal touch to this recipe, you can include green or black olives for a Mediterranean flavor. You can also use different types of meat, such as beef or chicken, adapting the recipe to your preferences.

Useful tips

- Lamb: Choose high-quality lamb from a trusted supplier. Young lamb is more tender and will cook faster.
- Spices: Experiment with spices! Add herbs like rosemary or oregano to vary the flavor.
- Side dishes: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This lamb dish is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Lamb contains zinc, iron, and vitamin B12. A serving of 200g of cooked lamb contains approximately 300-350 kcal, depending on the cooking method and ingredients used. The rice adds complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen lamb?
Yes, make sure to fully thaw the meat before cooking for the best results.

How can I make the sauce tastier?
Add a splash of soy sauce or olive paste for extra flavor.

What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent choices to complement lamb meals.

I conclude with a personal note: this lamb with dill recipe is a true symbol of family culinary tradition. Whether you prepare it for special occasions or simply to gather the family around the table, every bite will bring precious memories and joy. Enjoy your meal!