Cordero Asado - Roast Lamb

Cordero Asado - Roast Lamb Recipe from Spain

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cordero Asado, or Roast Lamb, is a traditional Spanish dish that is popular in many regions of the country. This dish is known for its tender and flavorful meat, as well as its crispy and delicious roast potatoes. It is a perfect dish for a special occasion or a family gathering.

History

Roast lamb has been a staple in Spanish cuisine for centuries. It is often served during holidays and celebrations, such as Easter or Christmas. The dish is typically prepared with young lamb, which is known for its tender and succulent meat. The combination of herbs, garlic, and white wine gives the dish a rich and savory flavor.

Ingredients

4 shoulders of baby lamb
A few sprigs of rosemary
2 medium-sized onions, sliced
4 cloves of garlic
2 glasses of white wine
olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper
2 lb (907 g) of potatoes, thinly sliced
3 tbsp of finely chopped flat leaf parsley

How to prepare

Season the lamb with olive oil, salt, and pepper and place it in a roasting dish. Add the whole garlic cloves and rosemary, and cook in the oven at medium heat for 50 minutes, turning the lamb over after 20 minutes. Boil the potatoes until they are almost cooked. Drain the water and place the dry, nearly cooked potatoes in a baking pan with plenty of olive oil and salt to taste. Add a sprig of rosemary. Bake for 30 minutes, until crispy and fully roasted. Remove the roasting dish of lamb from the oven, and add finely diced garlic, white wine, onions, and another splash of olive oil. Finish roasting until the lamb is cooked to your desired taste. In Spain, lamb is typically served on the rarer side. Once cooked, garnish with crunchy, roast potatoes.

Variations

You can add additional herbs and spices, such as thyme or oregano, to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Substitute the lamb with chicken or pork for a different twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the lamb generously with salt, pepper, and olive oil before roasting.

- Roast the lamb at a medium heat to ensure that it cooks evenly and retains its juiciness.

- Boil the potatoes before roasting them to ensure that they are cooked through and crispy on the outside.

- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cordero Asado with a side of green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

- Pair the dish with a glass of Spanish red wine, such as Rioja or Tempranillo, to complement the flavors of the lamb.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the lamb at a medium heat ensures that it cooks evenly and retains its juiciness.

- Boiling the potatoes before roasting them helps to ensure that they are cooked through and crispy on the outside.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use lamb chops or leg of lamb instead of lamb shoulders for this recipe.

- Substitute white wine with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the lamb and potatoes ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving.

- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or rosemary for a pop of color and flavor. - Serve the roast lamb and potatoes on a large platter for a beautiful and impressive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cordero Asado pairs well with Spanish red wines, such as Rioja or Tempranillo.

- Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or Spanish rice for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the dish in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- A serving of Cordero Asado typically contains around 600-700 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

- Potatoes: 2 lb (907 g) of thinly sliced potatoes contain approximately 200 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

- Olive oil: The dish contains a significant amount of healthy fats from olive oil, which is used for seasoning the lamb and roasting the potatoes.

Proteins

- Lamb: 4 shoulders of baby lamb provide a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Garlic: Garlic is rich in vitamins C and B6, as well as minerals such as manganese and selenium.

- Rosemary: Rosemary is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

This dish contains garlic and onions, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cordero Asado is a rich and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for special occasions.

Summary

Cordero Asado, or Roast Lamb, is a traditional Spanish dish that is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings. This dish features tender and flavorful lamb, crispy roast potatoes, and a rich and savory sauce. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and impressive meal that will delight your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cordero Asado - Roast Lamb. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Spain. My grandmother, who was an incredible cook, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for a family gathering.

As I watched her expertly season the lamb with a blend of herbs and spices, I was mesmerized by the way she moved around the kitchen with such grace and confidence. I knew then that I wanted to learn everything I could about the art of cooking.

Over the years, my grandmother taught me many of her secrets and techniques, passing down recipes that had been in our family for generations. But it was the recipe for Cordero Asado that always held a special place in my heart.

She explained to me that the key to a perfect roast lamb was in the preparation. The meat had to be marinated overnight in a mixture of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil to ensure that it would be tender and flavorful. She showed me how to carefully rub the seasonings into the meat, making sure that every inch was coated evenly.

The next day, as the lamb roasted in the oven, the aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating. I could hardly wait for it to be done so that I could taste the fruits of our labor.

When the time finally came to carve the lamb and serve it to our family, I held my breath in anticipation. The meat was perfectly cooked, with a golden brown crust that glistened in the light. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a place of pure bliss. The flavors were rich and savory, with a hint of garlic and herbs that lingered on my tongue.

From that moment on, Cordero Asado became a staple at our family gatherings. It was a dish that brought us together, filling our home with warmth and laughter. And with each passing year, I grew more confident in my ability to recreate the recipe on my own.

I began to experiment with different variations, adding my own personal touch to the dish. Sometimes I would add a splash of red wine to the marinade, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra kick of flavor. Each time I made the roast lamb, it was a reminder of the love and tradition that had been passed down to me from my grandmother.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing Cordero Asado for my own family, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the knowledge that has been imparted to me. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage and honor the memories of those who came before me.

And as I sit down to enjoy a meal of perfectly roasted lamb, surrounded by the people I love, I am filled with a sense of contentment and joy. For in that moment, I am reminded of the power of food to bring us together, to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls.

And so, I will continue to pass down the recipe for Cordero Asado to future generations, sharing the story of how I learned to make this beloved dish from my grandmother, and the sense of wonder and awe that it inspired in me.