Albanian Baked Lamb Ribs with Herbs
Tender and flavorful lamb ribs baked to perfection with a robust blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil. This dish showcases a simple yet delicious way to prepare lamb, highlighting its natural richness.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Lamb ribs, cut into individual ribs
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp Fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh oregano, chopped
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
💡 Tip: Ensuring the oven is at the correct temperature is crucial for even cooking. - 2
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a herb paste.
💡 Tip: Using fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant flavor than dried. - 3
Place the lamb ribs in a large baking dish. Rub the herb paste all over the lamb ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
💡 Tip: Massaging the paste into the meat helps the flavors penetrate. - 4
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
💡 Tip: Foil traps steam, helping to tenderize the lamb ribs. - 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
💡 Tip: The initial covered baking time is essential for tenderness. - 6
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and slightly browned.
💡 Tip: Uncovering allows the ribs to crisp up and develop a nice color. - 7
Let the lamb ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
💡 Tip: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more succulent meat.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an extra layer of flavor, you can marinate the lamb ribs in the herb mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) before baking.
- ✓If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture.
- ✓Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add lemon wedges to the baking dish during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a citrusy note.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like carrots or potatoes into the baking dish with the ribs.
- For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the herb rub.