Introduction
This Moroccan-inspired lamb dish is a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring succulent lamb backstraps seasoned with aromatic spices and accompanied by a refreshing yogurt sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe showcases the rich culinary heritage of North Africa while being accessible and straightforward to prepare.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Lamb:
2 x 250g/8oz lamb backstraps
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for rubbing)
1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)
Moroccan Spice Mix (Ras el Hanout):
1½ tsp cooking/kosher salt
¾ tsp cumin powder
¾ tsp ground ginger
¾ tsp black pepper
½ tsp allspice powder
¼ tsp cinnamon powder
¼ tsp coriander powder
⅛ tsp clove powder
Yogurt Sauce:
¾ cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
¼ tsp each salt and pepper
Pinch of sumac or paprika (optional garnish)
Prep Time
Preparation time for this dish is approximately 15 minutes. If you have extra time, marinating the lamb for an hour allows the flavors to develop further.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 8 minutes, resulting in a total time of about 23 minutes. This recipe yields 2 servings, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or an intimate gathering.
To savor this delicious Moroccan lamb dish, follow the provided steps for preparation, cooking, and serving. Bon appétit!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
– In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
– Mix well and refrigerate until needed.
Make the Moroccan Spice Mix
– In a small bowl, mix together salt, cumin, ground ginger, black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, coriander, and clove powder.
Prepare the Lamb
– Pat the lamb backstraps dry with paper towels.
– Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the lamb.
– Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the lamb, ensuring all sides are coated.
– If time allows, let the lamb marinate for 1 hour.
Cook the Lamb
– Heat 1½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Place the lamb in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 59°C/138°F for medium-rare.
Rest and Serve
– Transfer the cooked lamb to a rack or plate and let it rest for 3 minutes.
– Slice the lamb into 0.75–1 cm (¼–⅓ inch) thick slices.
– Serve with the prepared yogurt sauce, drizzling extra olive oil and sprinkling sumac or paprika on top if desired.
Notes
Cooking Temperature
– Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for the desired doneness.
Marinating Time
– Marinating the lamb for at least 1 hour will enhance the flavor. If time is short, you can cook it immediately after applying the spice mix.
Yogurt Sauce Variations
– Feel free to modify the yogurt sauce by adding garlic, herbs, or other spices to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
– This dish pairs well with couscous, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook Techniques
Preparing the Yogurt Sauce
Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate until needed to enhance flavors.
Making the Moroccan Spice Mix
Combine salt, cumin, ground ginger, black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, coriander, and clove powder in a bowl for a fragrant spice blend.
Preparing the Lamb
Pat lamb backstraps dry, rub with olive oil, and coat evenly with the spice mixture. Marinate for 1 hour if possible to deepen the flavor.
Cooking the Lamb
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook lamb for 4 minutes on each side, aiming for an internal temperature of 59°C/138°F for medium-rare.
Resting and Serving
Rest the cooked lamb for 3 minutes before slicing into thick pieces. Serve with yogurt sauce and garnish with olive oil and optional spices.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of lamb?
Yes, other lamb cuts like chops or leg can be used, but cooking times may vary.
How can I adjust the spice levels in the Moroccan mix?
You can reduce or increase the amounts of spices like black pepper and cumin according to your taste preferences.
Can the yogurt sauce be made in advance?
Absolutely! The yogurt sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
You may use regular yogurt or a dairy-free alternative, but note that this may change the consistency and flavor.
How do I know when the lamb is cooked perfectly?
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way. Aim for 59°C/138°F for medium-rare.
Can this recipe be grilled instead of skillet-cooked?
Yes, grilling is a great option! Just ensure to preheat the grill to medium-high and follow the same cooking times.
Conclusion
This delicious Moroccan-spiced lamb dish, paired with a refreshing yogurt sauce, offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The aromatic spices enhance the tender lamb, while the creamy yogurt provides a cooling contrast, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. Enjoy this culinary adventure and savor the rich tastes of Moroccan cuisine.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herb-Crusted Chicken with Greek Yogurt Sauce
Try using similar ingredients to create a herb-crusted chicken dish. Substitute lamb with chicken breasts and use fresh herbs like parsley and dill in the yogurt sauce for a tangy twist.
Moroccan-Spiced Vegetables with Couscous
Replace lamb with a variety of seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots. Roast them with the Moroccan spice mix and serve over couscous drizzled with yogurt sauce.
Spiced Lamb Wraps
Use the spiced lamb in a wrap with fresh vegetables, pickled onions, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a quick and tasty meal.
Quinoa Salad with Lamb and Yogurt Dressing
Combine leftover spiced lamb with a quinoa salad featuring chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and a yogurt dressing. This makes for a nutritious lunch or dinner option.
Ras el Hanout Roasted Chickpeas
Use the Moroccan spice mix to tantalize roasted chickpeas as a snack or salad topping, adding a burst of flavor to your dishes.
Lamb and Vegetable Skewers
Skewer chunks of marinated lamb and vegetables like bell peppers and onions, grill them, and serve with yogurt sauce for a fun and interactive meal.
