Description
A savory Albanian dish featuring tender lamb baked with a creamy yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, season the lamb chunks with sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the seasoned lamb to the pot and sear until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, vegetable broth, and lemon juice.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the lamb, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Allow the dish to come to a light simmer, then cover the pot with a lid or foil.
- Place the pot in the oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is fork-tender.
- Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for garnish.
Notes
- Ensure the lamb is well-coated with the seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Albanian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Albanian Baked Lamb with Yogurt, savory lamb bake, creamy yogurt sauce