Montenegrin Lamb in Milk
Brav u Mlijeku
A traditional Montenegrin dish where tender lamb is slow-cooked in milk with aromatic herbs and root vegetables, creating a rich and creamy sauce. This hearty one-pot meal is known for its incredibly tender meat and subtle flavors.
๐ง Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley(finely chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp Fennel seeds
- 1 tsp Black peppercorns
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 kg New potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 3-4 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 1.5 liters Whole milk
- 2 Rosemary sprigs
- 1 tsp Vegeta seasoning(optional)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
In a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic, parsley, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns to form a coarse paste.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic paste and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 3
Add the lamb pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. Remove the lamb and set aside. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Add the sliced carrots to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- 5
Return the lamb to the pot. Add the new potatoes, remaining milk, rosemary sprigs, and Vegeta seasoning (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- 6
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the lamb is very tender.
- 7
Once the lamb is tender, remove the rosemary sprigs. If the sauce is too thin, increase the heat and boil uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor an even richer flavor, you can use a combination of milk and cream.
- โEnsure the lamb is well-browned for maximum flavor development.
- โIf you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used, but adjust the quantity.
- โThis dish can also be finished in the oven for the last 30 minutes of cooking, covered, at 160ยฐC (320ยฐF).
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or celery root.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic paste.