Lamb crown with vegetables

The lamb crown with vegetables is a delicious and elegant recipe, perfect for special occasions or to impress guests at a dinner. This recipe combines the rich flavors of lamb with fresh vegetables, offering a dish full of taste and color. Additionally, slow cooking in the oven makes the lamb extremely tender and juicy. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time:
- Marinating time: 12-24 hours
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1-2 hours
- Total: 13-25 hours (of which 12-24 hours are for marinating)
- Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 whole rack of lamb
- 1 packet of lamb spices
- 500 ml quality red wine (a robust wine that will add depth to the flavor)
- 1 head of garlic (about 10-12 cloves)
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 medium potatoes, cut into large cubes
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, cut into large pieces
- 1 bulb of fennel, sliced
- 200 g mushrooms (champignon or portobello mushrooms, whole or halved)
- Fresh sprigs of sage and green rosemary

Recipe history:
The lamb crown is a dish that has been enjoyed for generations in many cultures. It is often associated with holidays and festive meals, symbolizing good taste and abundance. This recipe blends tradition with modern cooking techniques, and its complex flavors make it a perfect choice to celebrate important moments with loved ones.

Step by step to achieve a perfect result:

1. Marinating the lamb:
- Wash and prepare the meat: Start by washing the lamb ribs well under cold water. Make sure to remove any impurities.
- Season: In a large bowl, mix the lamb spices with the red wine and olive oil. Add the garlic cloves, slightly crushed with the blade of a knife, to release the flavors.
- Massage the meat: Place the lamb ribs in the marinade and massage well to ensure even coverage. This step is essential to infuse the meat with delicious flavors.
- Marinating: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it in the fridge for 12-24 hours. It is recommended to turn the meat occasionally for even marination.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
- Clean and cut the vegetables: While the lamb is marinating, clean and cut the vegetables into large cubes. They will add a pleasant texture and a contrast of flavors to the dish.
- Caring for the mushrooms: If using whole mushrooms, make sure to wash them gently to remove dirt. If they are large, you can cut them in half.

3. Assembling the dish:
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 160°C. Choose a deep baking dish or a ceramic pot that can be covered.
- Arrange the ribs: Remove the lamb ribs from the marinade and place them vertically in the dish, tying them with kitchen twine to maintain their shape (this step adds an elegant appearance to the dish).
- Add the vegetables: Place the cut vegetables around the ribs. Pour the remaining marinade over the meat and vegetables, ensuring they are well covered. Add sprigs of sage and rosemary for extra flavor.

4. Baking:
- Cover with foil: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and allow even cooking of the meat.
- Bake on low heat: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 1-2 hours, depending on your oven's power. Check periodically to ensure it doesn't dry out.

5. Serving:
- Check doneness: When the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone, it's time to take them out of the oven.
- Cutting and plating: Remove the ribs from the dish and cut them with a sharp knife. Serve them alongside the cooked vegetables and a fresh green salad for a crunchy contrast. You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors.

Useful tips:
- Wine: Choose a red wine that you would enjoy drinking at the table. This will influence the final flavor of the dish.
- Vegetables: You can also add other favorite vegetables, such as pumpkin or peppers, for a variety of flavors.
- Quick option: If you don't have marinating time, you can season the meat with the lamb spices and cook it immediately, but the result will be less intense.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Of course! This recipe works well with pork or beef, but the cooking time will vary.
- What side dishes pair well? Rice or mashed potatoes are excellent options that go well with the rich sauce.
- How can I store leftovers? The dish keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the flavor gets even better the next day.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of lamb crown with vegetables contains approximately 450-600 calories, depending on the serving size and the amount of oil used. Lamb is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and minerals such as zinc and iron. The vegetables add fiber and antioxidants, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.

The lamb crown with vegetables is a perfect choice to bring a touch of elegance to your meals. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent with loved ones! Bon appétit!