Greek-Style Lamb With Rice
Description
This simple and delightful Greek-Style Lamb with Rice recipe captures the essence of Greek cuisine while being incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Utilizing ground lamb and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a speedy supper, this meal pairs beautifully with a fresh Greek-style salad for a complete dining experience. Moreover, it freezes well, making it an ideal option for meal prepping and enjoying later.
Recipe Category
One Dish Meal
Keywords
- White Rice
- Lamb/Sheep
- Rice
- Vegetable
- Meat
- Greek
- European
- Potluck
- < 30 Mins
- Freezer
- Stove Top
- Easy
- Inexpensive
Ingredients and Quantities
- 1 1/4 lbs ground lamb
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup water
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- Black pepper, to taste
- 5 cups cooked white rice
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 736.4
- Fat Content: 33.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 14.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 103.5mg
- Sodium Content: 106.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 74.6g
- Fiber Content: 2.4g
- Sugar Content: 4.1g
- Protein Content: 30.4g
Recipe Servings
Servings: 4
Aggregated Rating
Rating: 4.0 (Based on 3 reviews)
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
-
Brown the Lamb:
- In a large, nonstick skillet, brown the ground lamb along with the finely chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat. Cook until the lamb is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
-
Drain Excess Fat:
- Once the lamb is browned, tip the skillet slightly and use a spoon to remove any accumulated fat from the pan. This helps in reducing the overall fat content of the dish and prevents it from becoming too greasy.
-
Add Tomato and Spices:
- Stir in the tomato puree, water, cinnamon, and oregano into the browned lamb mixture. These ingredients will blend together to create a rich and flavorful sauce that is characteristic of Greek cuisine.
-
Season and Simmer:
- Sprinkle the mixture with black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld together and the sauce will thicken. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a bit more water to achieve the desired consistency.
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Serve:
- To serve, place a mound of cooked white rice on each serving plate and generously top it with the lamb mixture. The combination of the savory lamb and the fluffy rice creates a comforting and satisfying meal.
-
Freeze for Later:
- If you plan to freeze the dish, combine the lamb mixture and the cooked rice together and place them into a freezer-safe container. This makes for an easy reheat-and-eat meal on busy days.
Cooking Tips
- Rice Preparation: For the best results, use freshly cooked rice. If you have leftover rice from a previous meal, reheat it thoroughly before serving to ensure it is warm and fluffy.
- Adjusting Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and oregano according to your taste preferences. Some people might prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, while others might want to add more oregano for an herbaceous note.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a Greek salad made with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, dressed in a simple olive oil and lemon vinaigrette.
- Garnishing: For an extra touch of authenticity and flavor, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Freezing and Reheating Instructions
- Freezing: To freeze the Greek-Style Lamb with Rice, ensure the lamb mixture and rice are combined and cooled to room temperature. Place the mixture in a freezer-safe container, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw the container in the refrigerator overnight. Transfer the mixture to a skillet and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the lamb mixture during the cooking process.
- Different Grains: Substitute white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for a different texture and nutritional profile.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the lamb mixture.
Final Thoughts
Greek-Style Lamb with Rice is a versatile and delicious dish that is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Its ease of preparation and delightful blend of flavors make it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether enjoyed fresh or from the freezer, this dish offers a taste of the Mediterranean that is both comforting and satisfying.
