Ginger Lamb with Rice

Ginger Lamb with Rice Recipe - North American Cuisine

Region / culture: North America, USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ginger Lamb with Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the richness of ground lamb with the zing of ginger and the sweetness of pineapple. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Middle Eastern and Asian flavors, where lamb is a popular protein choice. The combination of ginger, pineapple, and spices creates a unique and delicious dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground lamb
1 small egg, beaten
1 tsp garlic salt
0.13 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 cup finely crushed ginger snaps
1 8-0.5 oz (14 g) can sliced pineapple, cut into quarters
1 large green pepper (poblano, jalapeño, or bell), cut into 1 inch pieces
0.5 cup catsup or (3 tbsp tomato sauce)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.25 tsp ginger
4 cup hot, cooked rice
fresh cicely, optional
hot sauce, optional

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine lamb, egg, garlic salt, pepper, and ginger snaps.
Mix the ingredients well until fully combined, then form the mixture into 1-0.5 inch meatballs.
Thread the meatballs, pineapple chunks, and green pepper slices onto skewers in an alternating pattern.
In a separate bowl, prepare a mixture of catsup, brown sugar, mustard, lemon juice, and ginger.
Brush the skewers with the prepared mixture, making sure to coat them evenly. Reserve some of the mixture for basting.
Place the skewers under the broiler and cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side, basting occasionally with the reserved mixture.
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the broiler.
Serve the skewers with rice, and garnish with fresh cicely.
If desired, lightly drizzle the skewers with hot sauce for an added kick.

Variations

Use ground beef or turkey instead of lamb for a lighter option.
Add diced onions and bell peppers to the meatball mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute the pineapple with mango or peaches for a different fruity twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fully combine the ingredients for the meatballs to ensure they hold together well.

- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the meatballs and vegetables to prevent them from burning.

- Baste the skewers with the sauce mixture while cooking to keep them moist and flavorful.

- Adjust the amount of ginger and hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ginger Lamb with Rice skewers with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a side of yogurt sauce or tzatziki for added creaminess.

Cooking Techniques

Broil the skewers for a quick and easy cooking method that gives them a nice charred flavor.

- You can also grill the skewers on an outdoor grill for a smoky taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground chicken or pork instead of lamb for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute gingersnaps with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a similar texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture and skewer them ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to cook.

- The sauce mixture can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the skewers on a bed of fluffy rice and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. - Arrange the skewers on a platter with lemon wedges and extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing ginger beer for a delightful meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

- Reheat the skewers in the oven or microwave until heated through, then serve with fresh rice.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 400 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Rice: 45g per serving

- Ginger snaps: 20g per serving

- Pineapple: 15g per serving

- Tomato sauce: 10g per serving

Fats

- Ground lamb: 20g per serving

- Egg: 5g per serving

- Brown sugar: 2g per serving

Proteins

- Ground lamb: 25g per serving

- Egg: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C from pineapple and bell pepper

- Iron from ground lamb

- Vitamin A from tomato sauce

Alergens

Contains eggs and wheat (ginger snaps)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but it is also high in fat and carbohydrates. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Ginger Lamb with Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of ginger, pineapple, and spices with tender ground lamb. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy the unique taste and aroma of this dish with your loved ones!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the ins and outs of the kitchen from my own dear mother. We were visiting our neighbors for dinner one evening, and as soon as I walked into their home, I was enveloped by the most delicious aroma. I followed my nose to the kitchen, where Mrs. Patel was busy cooking up a storm.

"Come in, come in," Mrs. Patel said with a warm smile. "I'm making ginger lamb with rice tonight. Would you like to watch and learn?"

I nodded eagerly, pulling up a chair to watch her work her magic. Mrs. Patel was a seasoned cook, with a talent for combining flavors and spices in ways that always left me in awe. As I watched her chop the ginger, marinate the lamb, and cook the rice to perfection, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

After dinner that night, I asked Mrs. Patel for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me. She explained each step in detail, and I scribbled down notes in my little pink notebook, eager to recreate the dish in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe for ginger lamb with rice, adding my own twists and tweaks along the way. It became a staple in our household, a dish that my family always requested for special occasions and gatherings. The fragrant smell of ginger and spices cooking on the stove never failed to bring a smile to their faces, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride every time I served it up.

As the years passed, I continued to collect recipes from friends, relatives, and even strangers I met along the way. Each recipe told a story, a tale of tradition and culture that I carried with me in my heart. From Italian pasta dishes to Indian curries, I was always eager to learn and experiment in the kitchen, adding new flavors and techniques to my repertoire.

But the recipe for ginger lamb with rice remained a favorite, a dish that brought back memories of that fateful night at Mrs. Patel's house. Whenever I cooked it, I felt a connection to her, a bond forged through the love of good food and shared experiences.

Now, as I sit here in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of ginger and spices, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I've collected over the years. They are more than just instructions for a meal – they are a reminder of the people and places that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

And as I take a bite of the tender, flavorful ginger lamb with rice, I can't help but smile, knowing that this recipe will live on in my family for generations to come. It's a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and passion that cooking has brought to my life. And for that, I will always be grateful.