Bulgarian Lamb with Rice and Herbs
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender lamb baked with aromatic rice and a blend of fresh herbs, creating a comforting and traditional Bulgarian meal.

๐ง Ingredients
- 700 g Leg of lamb, boneless(cut into pieces)
- 1 string Fresh mint
- 1 string Fresh parsley
- 1 string Spring onions
- 1 string Spring garlic
- 2 Hot peppers
- 10 g Salt
- 10 g Red peppers (for marinade)
- 80 ml Olive oil
- 200 ml Water
- 250 g Rice
- 100 g Onion (for rice)(finely chopped)
- 200 g Carrots (for rice)(finely chopped)
- 150 g Spinach
- Parsley stems(for rice)
- 3 Eggs
- 500 ml Greek yogurt
- 80 g Flour
- 200 g Celery
- 100 ml Milk
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
For the marinade: Combine all the marinade ingredients (mint, parsley, spring onions, spring garlic, hot peppers, salt, red peppers, olive oil, water) and blend into a creamy mixture.
๐ก Tip: Ensure all herbs and garlic are finely chopped or blended for a smooth marinade. - 2
Cut the lamb into pieces and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Arrange the marinated lamb in a ceramic casserole dish and cover with a lid.
๐ก Tip: Using a ceramic casserole dish helps to retain moisture and cook the lamb evenly. - 3
Bake the lamb at 170ยฐC (340ยฐF) for about 4 hours, or until tender.
๐ก Tip: Check the lamb periodically and add a little more water or broth if it seems dry. - 4
While the lamb is baking, prepare the rice: Fry the rice in a separate pan. Stew it with finely chopped carrots, parsley stems, and onions until softened.
๐ก Tip: Frying the rice before adding liquid helps to keep the grains separate. - 5
Pour in boiling water or vegetable broth to cook the rice. Add the spinach and season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
๐ก Tip: Use a good quality broth for added flavor. - 6
Transfer the cooked rice mixture into a baking dish and bake in the oven.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the baking dish is oven-safe. - 7
Once the rice is ready, prepare the topping: Mix the eggs, Greek yogurt, and flour until smooth. Pour this mixture over the baked rice and bake again until golden brown.
๐ก Tip: Whisk the topping ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps. - 8
For the celery puree: Chop the celery and boil it in milk until completely soft. Blend until a fine creamy mixture.
๐ก Tip: Use whole milk for a richer puree. - 9
Serve the baked lamb alongside the rice, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of celery puree.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โThe long cooking time for the lamb is essential for achieving tenderness.
- โAdjust the amount of hot peppers according to your spice preference.
- โFresh herbs are key to the authentic flavor of this dish.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or potatoes to the rice mixture.
- For a richer topping, use a combination of eggs and sour cream.
- Serve with a side of Shopska salad for a complete Bulgarian meal.