How to Cook Lamb Roast: Eid Special Recipe

Introduction

Lamb roast is a quintessential dish that graces the tables during Eid celebrations. This rich and flavorful dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a symbol of festivity and togetherness. The following recipe is designed to guide you through the process of preparing a succulent and aromatic lamb roast that will impress your family and guests. This detailed, step-by-step guide ensures that you can create a masterpiece in your own kitchen, making your Eid celebration truly special.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 2 kg lamb leg or shoulder (bone-in)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
• Salt to taste

For Roasting:

• 4 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4-5 green chilies, slit
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 cup water or stock
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, uniform marinade.

2. Marinating the Lamb

Rinse the lamb leg or shoulder under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Make several deep cuts on the surface of the lamb to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat. Rub the marinade all over the lamb, ensuring it gets into the cuts and covers the meat completely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat.

3. Preparing for Roasting

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Take the marinated lamb out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.

4. Browning the Lamb

In a large, heavy-bottomed roasting pan or Dutch oven, heat the ghee or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears. Remove half of the onion mixture and set aside for later use.

5. Roasting the Lamb

Place the marinated lamb leg or shoulder in the roasting pan on top of the onion mixture. Add the finely chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Pour the water or stock around the lamb. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.

6. Cooking Time and Basting

Roast the lamb for about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the size and cut of the meat. Every 30 minutes, baste the lamb with the juices from the pan to keep it moist and flavorful. Remove the foil or lid during the last 30 minutes of roasting to allow the lamb to brown and develop a beautiful crust.

7. Resting the Lamb

Once the lamb is cooked through and tender, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This step is important as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent roast.

8. Preparing the Gravy

While the lamb is resting, place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the reserved onion mixture back into the pan and bring the juices to a simmer. Cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

9. Garnishing and Serving

Carve the rested lamb into thick slices and arrange them on a serving platter. Pour the gravy over the meat and garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Lamb roast is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to complement your Eid special lamb roast:

1. Rice: Serve with fragrant basmati rice or a flavorful pilaf.
2. Bread: Accompany with warm naan, paratha, or pita bread.
3. Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables make a healthy and colorful side dish.
4. Salad: A fresh salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions adds a refreshing contrast.
5. Raita: A cooling yogurt-based raita with cucumber or mint helps balance the rich flavors of the lamb.

Tips for Success

1. Quality of Meat: Choose high-quality lamb for the best flavor and tenderness.
2. Marination Time: Allowing the lamb to marinate for at least 6 hours is crucial for developing deep, robust flavors.
3. Basting: Regularly basting the lamb during roasting ensures it stays moist and flavorful.
4. Resting: Letting the lamb rest after roasting helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more succulent roast.
5. Gravy Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the gravy to your preference by simmering it longer for a thicker consistency or adding more water for a thinner sauce.

Variations

1. Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies according to your spice tolerance.
2. Herb Crust: Add a mixture of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley to the marinade for a fragrant herb crust.
3. Stuffed Lamb: Stuff the lamb with a mixture of minced meat, nuts, and dried fruits for an extra special touch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg

Health Benefits

While lamb roast is an indulgent dish, it also offers several health benefits:

1. High Protein: Lamb provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
2. Iron and Zinc: Lamb is rich in iron and zinc, important for immune function and energy metabolism.
3. Healthy Fats: When prepared with healthy fats like ghee or olive oil, the dish can contribute to overall cardiovascular health.

Cultural Significance

Lamb roast holds a special place in many cultures, especially during festive occasions like Eid. It symbolizes abundance, generosity, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. The preparation and serving of lamb roast is often a communal activity, bringing families and communities together in celebration.

Conclusion

Preparing a lamb roast for Eid is a culinary journey that combines tradition, flavor, and the joy of sharing a special meal. This detailed recipe ensures that you can create a succulent and aromatic lamb roast that will be the centerpiece of your Eid celebration. By following these steps, you can impress your family and guests with a dish that is rich in flavor and steeped in tradition. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the delicious and festive flavors of this Eid special lamb roast. Happy cooking and Eid Mubarak!

Complete Video:

Watch the complete video on our YouTube channel to see how to make this delicious oven-roasted lamb step by step!

Enjoy!

This oven-roasted lamb from WowMammaKitchen is sure to impress your guests with its delightful aroma and rich flavors. Perfect for any special occasion, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.