Lamb Ravioli with Yogurt, Garlic and Mint

Lamb Ravioli with Yogurt, Garlic and Mint Recipe from Oman and Turkey

Region / culture: Oman, Turkey | Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lamb Ravioli with Yogurt, Garlic, and Mint is a delicious and unique dish that combines the rich flavors of lamb with the creamy tanginess of yogurt and the freshness of mint. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your repertoire.

History

Ravioli is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is typically made with a filling of meat, cheese, or vegetables, enclosed in a pasta dough. This recipe puts a twist on the classic ravioli by using lamb as the filling and a yogurt-based sauce for added flavor.

Ingredients

4 cups unflavored yogurt
1.75 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cup whole wheat flour
0.5 tsp salt
1 whole egg
1 egg yolk
0.5 cup water
1 cup chicken stock
4 minced garlic cloves
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
0.5 lb (227 g) lean ground lamb
0.5 small grated onion
3 tbsp minced parsley
rice flour as needed
0.25 cup coarsely chopped mint leaves

How to prepare

Place the yogurt in a strainer lined with cheesecloth and let it drain for 1 hour.
While the yogurt is draining, combine the white and whole-wheat flours and 0.5 tsp of salt on a work surface.
Create a well in the center.
In a separate bowl, mix together the whole egg, yolk, and water; then pour it into the well in the flour.
Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the well.
Using a pastry scraper and your hands, gather the mixture into a ball and knead it for 2 to 3 minutes.
The dough will be rough in texture.
Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Sauce

Pour the chicken stock into a saucepan and reduce it over high heat until it reaches 0.5 cup.
Combine half of the reduced stock, the drained yogurt, garlic, and olive oil.
Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper.
Set the sauce aside at room temperature.

Filling

Combine the lamb, onion, and parsley; then season with salt and pepper.
Knead the mixture together for 2 minutes and set it aside.
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
Cover the pieces with an inverted bowl to prevent them from drying out.
Proceed with the next steps.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or turkey for the lamb.
Use a different herb, such as basil or cilantro, in place of mint.
Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the yogurt properly to achieve a creamy sauce.

- Knead the dough for the ravioli until it is smooth and elastic.

- Be careful not to overfill the ravioli, as it may burst during cooking.

- Cook the ravioli in batches to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Lamb Ravioli with Yogurt, Garlic, and Mint with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with extra mint leaves for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the ravioli in a large pot of salted water until they float to the surface, then drain and serve with the yogurt sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Greek yogurt can be used in place of regular yogurt.

- Any type of ground meat can be used in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

The ravioli dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

- The filling can also be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the ravioli on a plate and drizzle the yogurt sauce on top. - Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

- A side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread would complement this dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 6%

- Vitamin C: 4%

- Calcium: 10%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains dairy (yogurt)

- Contains wheat (flour)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and iron, but it is also high in fat and carbohydrates. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Lamb Ravioli with Yogurt, Garlic, and Mint is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. With a creamy yogurt sauce and a savory lamb filling, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a hot summer day in the small village where I grew up. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, had just returned from a visit to her friend's farm. She brought with her a basket filled with fresh herbs and vegetables, as well as a beautiful piece of lamb meat. As soon as I saw the ingredients, I knew that we were in for a treat.

My grandmother, who was known far and wide for her culinary skills, wasted no time in getting to work. She started by marinating the lamb meat in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, and mint. The smell that wafted through the kitchen was simply heavenly. I watched in awe as she expertly prepared the ravioli dough, rolling it out into thin sheets and cutting it into perfect squares. She filled each square with a generous spoonful of the marinated lamb, sealing them up into delicate little parcels.

As she boiled the ravioli in a pot of bubbling water, the scent of garlic and mint grew stronger. I could hardly contain my excitement as I waited for the meal to be ready. Finally, my grandmother plated up the lamb ravioli, drizzling them with a rich yogurt sauce and garnishing them with fresh mint leaves. The first bite was pure bliss - the tender lamb, the creamy yogurt, and the fragrant mint all coming together in perfect harmony.

I asked my grandmother where she had learned to make such a delicious dish, and she smiled knowingly. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from a distant relative who had traveled to the Middle East and brought back this culinary gem. Over the years, my grandmother had added her own twists and tweaks to the recipe, making it uniquely her own.

From that day on, lamb ravioli with yogurt, garlic, and mint became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over for dinner, my grandmother would proudly serve up this dish, always receiving rave reviews. I remember one particular dinner party where a renowned chef was in attendance. He took one bite of the lamb ravioli and declared it to be one of the best dishes he had ever tasted.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe myself, adding in different herbs and spices to make it my own. I even entered a cooking competition once, showcasing my grandmother's lamb ravioli to a panel of discerning judges. To my delight, I walked away with the first prize - a testament to the enduring legacy of this dish.

Now, as I pass on the recipe to my own children and grandchildren, I feel a sense of pride and connection to my roots. The simple act of cooking a meal has the power to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to honor the traditions of those who came before us. And for me, lamb ravioli with yogurt, garlic, and mint will always hold a special place in my heart - a reminder of the love and dedication that goes into every dish we create.