Bulgarian Lamb with Yogurt and Herbs
A tender and aromatic dish featuring lamb marinated in yogurt and fresh herbs, then slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe highlights the use of yogurt in Bulgarian savory cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder or leg(boneless, cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 250 g Plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup Fresh dill(chopped)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh mint(chopped (optional))
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 large Onion(thinly sliced)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the lamb cubes with yogurt, chopped dill, parsley, mint (if using), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the lamb evenly.
💡 Tip: Ensure all lamb pieces are coated in the marinade. - 2
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the lamb to tenderize.
- 3
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
💡 Tip: A lower temperature ensures slow, even cooking. - 4
Transfer the marinated lamb and all the marinade into a Dutch oven or a deep baking dish. Add the thinly sliced onion on top.
💡 Tip: Do not add any extra liquid; the yogurt and lamb will release enough moisture. - 5
Cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid or cover the baking dish securely with foil.
💡 Tip: A tight seal is crucial for slow cooking. - 6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, or until the lamb is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
💡 Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on the cut and size of the lamb pieces. - 7
Once cooked, remove from the oven. Stir the lamb gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
💡 Tip: The yogurt will have created a creamy, flavorful sauce. - 8
Serve hot. This dish is excellent served with roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad.
💡 Tip: Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The yogurt acts as a tenderizer, so don't skip the marinating time.
- ✓If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, you can carefully remove the lamb and onions and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce it.
- ✓Using a mix of herbs like dill, parsley, and mint provides a classic Bulgarian flavor profile.
🔄 Variations
- Add some diced carrots or bell peppers to the dish during the last hour of baking for added vegetables.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- A tablespoon of honey can be added to the marinade for a subtle sweetness.