Lamb Bake

New England Lamb Bake Recipe with Vegetables and Herbs

Region / culture: New England | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1.5-2 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Lamb Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe features tender cubes of boneless lamb cooked in a savory broth with vegetables and topped with sliced potatoes. The dish is baked until the meat is tender and the potatoes are golden brown, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Lamb Bake is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations in many cultures around the world. The combination of lamb, vegetables, and potatoes cooked together in a casserole dish is a popular way to create a flavorful and filling meal. This recipe has been passed down through families and adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 lb (907 g) boneless lean lamb, cubed
1 large onion, chopped
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
5 cups chicken broth
2 large carrots, sliced
2 large leeks, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley, divided
1 bay leaf
0.5 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
0.25 tsp dried thyme
3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
0.25 cup butter or margarine

How to prepare

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven.
2. Brown lamb and onion.
3. Stir in flour and mix well.
4. Gradually add broth.
5. Bring to a boil, stirring to remove browned bits from the pan.
6. Add carrots, leeks, 1 tbsp parsley, bay leaf, rosemary, salt, pepper, and thyme.
7. Spoon the mixture into a greased 3 qt (2.84 liter) baking dish.
8. Cover with potatoes and dot with butter.
9. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat and potatoes are tender.
10. Discard the bay leaf.
11. Garnish with the remaining parsley.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Use lamb shanks instead of cubed lamb for a different texture and presentation.
Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the lamb and onion well before adding the flour to create a rich and flavorful base for the broth.

- Gradually add the broth to the pan while stirring to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.

- Be sure to cover the baking dish with foil or a lid to prevent the potatoes from drying out while baking.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lamb Bake with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of red wine for a delicious and elegant dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the lamb and onion before adding the flour creates a rich and flavorful base for the broth.

- Baking the dish uncovered allows the potatoes to brown and crisp up on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use beef or chicken broth instead of chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute butter for margarine for a richer taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the Lamb Bake up to the point of baking, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lamb Bake in individual ramekins for a stylish presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lamb Bake with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal. Serve with a glass of red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Lamb Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380 per serving

Carbohydrates

32g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 32g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 45% DV

- Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Iron: 25% DV

Alergens

Contains: Wheat (flour)

Summary

Lamb Bake is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Summary

Lamb Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. This recipe features tender cubes of boneless lamb cooked in a savory broth with vegetables and topped with sliced potatoes. Baked until the meat is tender and the potatoes are golden brown, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Lamb Bake. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the countryside. My family didn't have much money, so we often had to make do with what we had. One day, a neighbor came over with a big, juicy leg of lamb and a handful of fresh herbs from her garden. She said she wanted to share a special recipe with us, one that had been passed down through generations in her family.

As she began to prepare the lamb, I watched in fascination. She rubbed it with a mixture of garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then wrapped it in bacon to keep it moist and flavorful. She placed it in a hot oven and let it roast slowly, filling the house with the most amazing aroma. I couldn't wait to taste it.

When the lamb was finally ready, she sliced off a piece and handed it to me on a plate. I took a bite and was immediately transported to food heaven. The meat was tender and succulent, with a rich, savory flavor that melted in my mouth. I had never tasted anything quite like it before.

From that moment on, I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself. I begged my neighbor to teach me the recipe, and she graciously agreed. Over the next few weeks, I practiced making Lamb Bake over and over again, tweaking the ingredients and cooking times until I had perfected it.

As I grew older, I continued to make Lamb Bake for my family and friends, sharing the recipe with anyone who would listen. It became a staple at our dinner table, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the simple joys of life.

I have since passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, along with the story of how I learned to make it. It has become a cherished part of our family traditions, a reminder of where we come from and the love we share.

To this day, whenever I make Lamb Bake, I think back to that first time I saw the recipe and how it changed my life forever. It may just be a simple dish, but to me, it represents so much more – love, community, and the power of good food to bring people together.

So the next time you sit down to enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones, take a moment to appreciate the stories behind the recipes. You never know what treasures you might find hidden in a humble dish like Lamb Bake.