Spanish Roasted Lamb

Spanish roasted lamb is definitely one of those meals fit for special occasions or for enjoying with friends and family – especially during the winter months. Lamb is prepared and cooked many different ways in Spain but by far the most popular in Andalucia is ‘Asado de Cordero’. The first time we tried this dish in a local restaurant it blew us away with the flavours and texture of the meat, cooked in real Spanish style the dish was actually prepared the previous day then was taken to the nearby ‘panaderia’ or bakers who just so happened to have a clay oven designed for such things.

The lamb was cooked for no less than three hours which, with a dish like this is the key to getting it just right. The lamb itself bred in certain pockets of the Granada province is also quite special, known as ‘Cordero Segureno’ the breed has a distinct quality and is very hardy – perfectly suited to the harsh Andalucian countryside during the long hot summers. You can of course use any good lamb for this dish and it can also be cooked in the oven at home.

Ingredients:

1 leg of lamb, machine cut into slices.
Three or four medium potatoes.
1 large onion
2 green peppers
6 cloves of garlic
Whole black peppercorns
6 – 8 sprigs of rosemary and thyme
Olive oil

Method:

• Grease the bottom of a large roasting dish with olive oil and lay the chops in the bottom.
  
  
• Peel and finely slice the onion and potatoes and slice the peppers.
  
  
• Lay the onion slices, then the peppers and potato slices over the lamb in the dish.
  
  
• Peel and roughly chop the garlic then add to the dish, season well with salt and peppercorns.
  
  
• Add full sprigs of rosemary and thyme and a final drizzle of olive oil.
  
  
• Cook for 3 hours on a very low heat (140°C / Gas mark 1) adding a little water if necessary during cooking.

A large roasting tray is ideal for this kind of Asado especially when feeding the family, the best way to serve is just like they do in Spanish restaurants and place the tray center of the table for everyone to get stuck in. Keep plenty of fresh crusty bread handy too for mopping up that herb and lamb infused olive oil. Asado de Cordero is a real family affair, a dish that brings people together around the table and great for any occasion. Buen proveche!!

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