Lamb in Yogurt Sauce

Lamb in Yogurt Sauce Recipe from Romania with Dill and Flour

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lamb in yogurt sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender lamb with a creamy and tangy yogurt sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends and family.

History

Lamb in yogurt sauce is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for centuries in various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. The combination of tender lamb and tangy yogurt creates a unique and flavorful dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1.75 lb / 750 g lamb
1 lb / 500 g yogurt
0.5 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter (or lard)
1 tbsp chopped dill
salt

How to prepare

In a pan, fry the lamb pieces in butter until they turn golden brown.
Once the lamb is golden brown, add a few tablespoons of water to the pan. Cover the pan and let the meat simmer until it is almost cooked. If needed, you can add more water.
In a separate bowl, make a paste by combining yogurt and flour. Gradually add the yogurt to the flour while stirring continuously.
Pour the yogurt and flour paste over the lamb pieces in the pan.
Add the dill and salt to the pan. Let the mixture simmer for a little longer until the lamb is fully cooked.
Serve the lamb with polenta.

Variations

You can add chopped mint or parsley to the yogurt sauce for a fresh and herby flavor.
Try using Greek yogurt for a thicker and creamier sauce.
Add some chopped garlic or onion for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the lamb pieces well before adding the yogurt sauce to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Be sure to simmer the lamb in the yogurt sauce until it is fully cooked to ensure that the meat is tender and flavorful.

- Adjust the amount of salt and dill to suit your personal taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lamb in yogurt sauce with a side of fluffy rice or warm pita bread. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the lamb before simmering it in the yogurt sauce helps to develop a rich and savory flavor.

- Simmering the lamb in the yogurt sauce allows the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or beef instead of lamb in this recipe.

- If you don't have yogurt, you can use sour cream or buttermilk as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the yogurt sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the lamb. This will help to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the lamb in yogurt sauce in a shallow bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. You can also sprinkle some paprika or sumac on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a perfect pairing. You can also serve it with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or some pickled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the lamb in yogurt sauce in a pan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Fats: 15g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and gluten (flour).

Summary

Lamb in yogurt sauce is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and delicious meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Lamb in yogurt sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in. With tender lamb simmered in a creamy and tangy yogurt sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little cottage nestled in the countryside. Maria was a wonderful cook, and I always looked forward to our time together in her kitchen, exchanging recipes and cooking up delicious meals.

On this particular day, Maria had a special surprise for me. She had recently learned a new recipe for Lamb in Yogurt Sauce from her neighbor, who hailed from Greece. As she excitedly told me about the dish, I could tell that it was something truly special. Maria described how the tender lamb was marinated in a flavorful mixture of yogurt, garlic, and spices, then slowly cooked to perfection, creating a rich and creamy sauce that coated each and every bite.

I couldn't wait to try it for myself, so Maria graciously shared the recipe with me. She handed me a worn piece of paper, with faded ink and splatters of sauce from countless cooking adventures. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation. I knew that this dish would become a beloved favorite in my own repertoire of recipes.

That day, Maria and I set to work in her kitchen, preparing the lamb in yogurt sauce together. We carefully seasoned the meat, mixed the yogurt marinade, and lovingly tended to the simmering pot on the stove. The aroma that filled the kitchen was simply divine - the warm spices mingling with the savory scent of roasting lamb.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the tender lamb, coated in the creamy yogurt sauce. The flavors exploded on my taste buds, each bite more delicious than the last. I knew then and there that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

From that day on, I made Lamb in Yogurt Sauce whenever I wanted to impress guests or simply treat myself to a decadent meal. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of this delightful dish to future generations. Each time I made it, I thought of Maria and the joy we shared in discovering this culinary treasure together.

Over the years, I added my own twists and tweaks to the recipe, making it my own. I experimented with different spices, herbs, and cooking techniques, always striving to perfect the dish. And through it all, the memory of that day in Maria's kitchen remained a cherished reminder of the power of good food and good friends.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing Lamb in Yogurt Sauce for a family gathering, I can't help but smile at the journey that led me to this moment. The recipe that Maria shared with me so many years ago has become a beloved tradition in my home, a symbol of the love and laughter that fills these walls.

As I take the first bite of the tender lamb, coated in the creamy yogurt sauce, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Maria's kitchen. And I am filled with gratitude for the simple joys of cooking, sharing, and savoring the flavors of life.