Roasted Lamb with Potatoes

Roasted Lamb with Potatoes Recipe | Macedonia | Ingredients: lamb, garlic, salt, oregano, olive oil, lemon juice, potatoes, tomato paste, water

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Roasted Lamb with Potatoes is a classic dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. The combination of tender, juicy lamb with crispy, flavorful potatoes is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. Lamb has long been a staple in these regions, and roasting it with potatoes is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy this flavorful meat.

Ingredients

1 x 3 kg leg of young spring lamb
2 to 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
salt and pepper to taste
1.5 tbsp dried oregano
4 tbsp olive oil
6 tbsp fresh lemon juice
20 small potatoes, peeled
2 tbsp tomato paste, diluted in 0.25 cup of water
2 cups hot water

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 230°C.
Wash the leg of lamb.
Make slits with a sharp knife in various places on both sides of the lamb.
Insert garlic slices into the slits.
Season the lamb with salt, pepper, 0.5 tbsp of oregano, and brush it with olive oil.
Pour lemon juice over the lamb and place it in a roasting pan, fat side up.
Roast the lamb for about 0.5 hour.
While the lamb is browning, combine salt, tomato paste, and water, and pour the mixture over the potatoes.
Add the potatoes to the roasting pan and sprinkle them with the remaining oregano.
Lower the oven temperature to 180°C.
Roast the lamb and potatoes for 1.5 hours, turning and basting the potatoes occasionally.
Remove the lamb and potatoes from the oven and transfer them to a hot serving platter.
Slice the meat and serve it surrounded by the potatoes.

Variations

Add some fresh rosemary or thyme to the lamb for an extra burst of flavor.
Substitute sweet potatoes for the regular potatoes for a twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash the leg of lamb thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess blood or debris.

- Inserting garlic slices into the slits in the lamb will infuse the meat with a delicious garlic flavor as it cooks.

- Basting the lamb and potatoes with the lemon juice and olive oil mixture will help keep them moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Roasted Lamb with Potatoes with a side of Greek salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the lamb at a high temperature initially will help to brown the meat and seal in the juices, while lowering the temperature for the remainder of the cooking time will ensure that the lamb cooks evenly and stays tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. Additionally, you can use dried oregano instead of fresh if necessary.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the lamb and potatoes up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to roast them.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced lamb on a platter and surround it with the roasted potatoes for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Roasted Lamb with Potatoes pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the lamb and potatoes in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Roasted Lamb with Potatoes contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Roasted Lamb with Potatoes contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Roasted Lamb with Potatoes contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Roasted Lamb with Potatoes contains approximately 40 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and may not be suitable for those with garlic allergies.

Summary

Roasted Lamb with Potatoes is a nutritious and delicious meal that is high in protein and rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Roasted Lamb with Potatoes is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and impressive meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling from the trees and the scent of roasted lamb filled the air. I was walking through the bustling market, my basket in hand, when I stumbled upon a small stall tucked away in the corner.

There, sitting behind the counter, was a sweet old woman with a twinkle in her eye. She was surrounded by an array of spices and herbs, and in front of her was a steaming pot of roasted lamb with potatoes. The aroma was intoxicating, and I knew I had to try it.

I approached the stall and struck up a conversation with the woman. She told me that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She explained the process to me in detail, from marinating the lamb in a mixture of garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, to roasting it in the oven until it was golden brown and tender.

I was captivated by her story, and I begged her to teach me how to make it myself. She smiled warmly and agreed, handing me a piece of paper with the recipe written in beautiful script. I thanked her profusely and hurried home to try it out.

The first time I made the roasted lamb with potatoes, it was a labor of love. I followed the instructions carefully, taking my time to ensure that every step was done correctly. The kitchen was filled with the comforting scents of garlic and rosemary, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

As I pulled the dish out of the oven, the lamb was perfectly browned and the potatoes were tender and crispy. I couldn't wait to dig in. I served myself a generous portion and took my first bite. The meat was juicy and flavorful, the potatoes were a perfect complement. It was a meal fit for a king.

From that day on, roasted lamb with potatoes became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and special occasions. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch with a dash of lemon zest or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. But the essence of the dish remains the same – tender, succulent lamb paired with crispy, golden potatoes.

I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition that was taught to me by that kind old woman in the market so many years ago. It has become a part of my family's culinary heritage, a dish that is cherished and savored with each and every bite.

As I sit here now, writing this story, the scent of roasted lamb with potatoes wafts through the kitchen once again. It is a reminder of the journey I have taken with this recipe, from that fateful day in the market to the countless meals shared with loved ones.

And as I take a bite of the tender, flavorful lamb, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge that has been passed down to me. For in that simple dish lies a connection to the past, a taste of tradition that will endure for generations to come.