Lamb Paprikash with Sour Cream

Lamb Paprika with Sour Cream: A Traditional Delight

Lamb paprika with sour cream is a recipe that combines tradition with refined taste. This dish is perfect for festive days or simply to bring a touch of joy to everyday meals. Fresh, tender, and flavorful lamb transforms into a sumptuous dish enriched with vegetables and a creamy sauce that will captivate you from the very first bite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg lamb chop with bone (choose a young lamb, preferably from the spring season for more tender meat)
- 3 tablespoons red pepper paste (this will add an intense flavor and vibrant color)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced for a crunchy texture and sweet taste)
- 1 bunch of green onions (added for a touch of freshness)
- 1 cup sour cream (preferably a fatty one for a creamy sauce)
- 100 ml lard (if you prefer a milder taste, you can also opt for olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley (for decoration and added flavor)

Preparing the lamb paprika:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting and washing the lamb chop well. Make sure to remove any skin or excess fat if necessary. Young lamb meat is more tender and will add a special flavor to the final dish.

2. Browning the meat: In a deep pot, pour in the lard and let it heat up. Add the lamb chop and fry it over medium heat, turning it occasionally, until it is browned on all sides. This step is essential to seal in the juices from the meat and achieve a rich flavor.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the lamb is evenly browned, add salt to taste, finely chopped green onions, and diced red bell pepper. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

4. Incorporating the pepper paste: Add the red pepper paste and mix well to combine with all the ingredients. This step will give the paprika a deep flavor and beautiful color.

5. Cooking the meat: Pour a cup of water into the pot, cover with a lid, and let it simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes, until the meat is tender and easily separates from the bone. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid does not reduce too much, adding water if necessary.

6. Finalizing the dish: Once the lamb is cooked, add the sour cream, pepper, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Mix well, allowing the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it becomes creamy and homogeneous.

7. Serving: Finally, add the chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor and freshness. The lamb paprika is served hot, alongside a fluffy polenta or pasta that will absorb the delicious sauce.

Ideal sides:

Lamb paprika with sour cream can be perfectly accompanied by polenta or pasta, but don't forget a fresh green cabbage salad, which will add a crunchy and refreshing contrast. A combination of flavors and textures that will delight all the senses!

Tips and useful advice:

- Choosing the meat: Look for spring lamb, which is more tender and has a milder flavor. Young lamb meat will melt in your mouth, making the dish even more delicious.
- Pepper paste: If you cannot find red pepper paste, you can use roasted peppers or fresh peppers, but make sure to mash them well to achieve a uniform sauce.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to make the dish more colorful and nutritious. You can also replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use beef instead of lamb? Although this is not a traditional recipe, you can adapt it using beef, but the cooking time will be longer.
- How can I store the paprika for the next day? The paprika keeps excellently in the fridge; store it in an airtight container. You can reheat it on low heat, adding a little water or sour cream to make it creamier.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of lamb paprika contains about 600-700 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used. Lamb is a good source of protein, vitamin B12, and zinc, essential for immune system health and energy support.

I hope this recipe for lamb paprika with sour cream inspires you to try making a delicious and comforting dish. Enjoy every step of the culinary process and remember that cooking is, after all, an art form that improves with each attempt! Enjoy your meal!