Lamb is known for its tenderness, unique flavor and health benefits. Dishes featuring lamb are found in many cuisines; in China, lamb is popular due to the influence of the Mongolians, who conquered China in the 13th century AD. Here are a number of lamb recipes, from Mongolian Lamb With Scallions, to Tajine (Moroccan Lamb Stew) and Indian Lamb Curry.
Lamb is cut across the grain, making it extra tender, then stir-fried with asparagus in a flavorful sauce. This easy lamb stir-fry recipe comes from the California Asparagus Commission.
Hardy vegetables such as scallions (also called spring onions and green onions) and garlic are common in northern Chinese cooking. In this recipe, marinated leg of lamb is stir-fried and paired with scallions in a flavorful sauce made with dark soy sauce and Asian sesame oil. This recipe is reader-rated at 5 out of 5 stars.
A slightly different recipe that uses lamb shank and has red wine vinegar in the sauce. Chile paste adds a bit of heat.
A classic northern Chinese dish, Mongolian Hot Pot is traditionally made with mutton (the meat of adult sheep). The easiest way to prepare the broth is simply to purchase a leg of lamb and heat it in boiling water before slicing. However, chicken broth can be substituted if desired. The recipe includes several suggestions for dipping sauces to serve with the hot pot.
This recipe comes from Dave Dewitt, an expert on fiery foods such as chili peppers. He writes: "Xinjiang, which borders Mongolia, is noted for its barbecued lamb even though lamb is rarely eaten in other parts of China. In fact, the Mongolian tribes introduced lamb to the rest of China. This simple barbecue could easily be prepared by the nomads on the plains of Xinjiang." The grilled lamb is served in sesame seed buns.
Chilli peppers add heat to this recipe.
Cumin and mint, two popular ingredients in Greek cooking, lend flavor to these meatballs, which are served with traditional Greek tzatziki. For the best results, prepare the meatballs a day ahead of time and refrigerate until needed.
Petrina Sakar, About.com Guide to Indian Food, says that this popular dish is a western take on Indian meat curries.
Another recipe from the About.com Indian Food Guide, who writes: “Kormas are typically made by marinating the main ingredient in yogurt and spices like ginger and garlic. It is then cooked in its own juices and a gravy made of onions, lots of tomatoes, green chillies and whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, coriander, cumin, etc.”
Derrick Riches, About.com Guide to Barbecues and Grilling, provides tips on choosing, flavoring and grilling lamb chops. The feature includes several recipes, from Lambchops Dijon to Balsamic Herb Lamb Chops.
