Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in the chopped mint, cilantro, and lemon juice.
8. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
9. Serve the minty lamb sauce warm over grilled lamb chops or roasted vegetables.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for browning the lamb
- Low heat for simmering the sauce
Serving size:
- Makes about 2 cups of sauce
- Serves 4-6 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey can be used instead of lamb
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth
- Dried mint and cilantro can be used instead of fresh, but reduce the amount by half
Variations:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat
- Use the sauce as a marinade for lamb or chicken before grilling
- Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to break up the ground lamb into small pieces as it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the sauce to prevent scratching the skillet
- Double the recipe and freeze the extra sauce for later use
Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the minty lamb sauce in a small bowl or gravy boat alongside the main dish
- Garnish the sauce with a sprig of fresh mint or cilantro
Pairings:
- Grilled lamb chops or roasted lamb leg
- Roasted vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts
Suggested side dishes:
- Couscous or rice pilaf
- Greek salad
- Hummus and pita bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground lamb to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat
Food history:
- Minty lamb sauce is a traditional Middle Eastern condiment that is often served with grilled meats and vegetables
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, spicy, and slightly sweet with a refreshing minty flavor
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the minty lamb sauce warm or at room temperature alongside the main dish
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Taste: Herbaceous, Minty, Savory, Umami, Tangy