Name: Saucy Skillet Lamb Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 50 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: For Chile Paste:; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 6 dried red chile peppers; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 1 clove garlic; For Lamb:; 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil; 2 onions; 2 tsp ginger garlic paste; 5 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp ground red pepper; ¼ tsp ground turmeric; ¼ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground cloves; 2 lbs lamb shanks; ½ tsp salt; 3 cups water; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro

This saucy skillet lamb recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and spices. The lamb is simmered in a flavorful sauce made from a unique chile paste, combined with a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in tender lamb shanks that are bursting with flavor. This heartwarming dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Photos of Saucy Skillet Lamb Recipe

The key ingredient that sets this recipe apart is the cumin seeds, which are toasted and ground to form part of the chile paste. These may not be readily available in every kitchen, so it might be necessary to make a trip to the supermarket. Also, dried red chile peppers are used in the chile paste, which might require you to visit a store catering to international cuisine.

Ingredients for Saucy Skillet Lamb

Cumin seeds: These are toasted and ground to bring out a smoky flavor.

Dried red chile peppers: They add a spicy kick to the dish.

Apple cider vinegar: It's used to soften the dried chiles and add tanginess to the paste.

Garlic: Essential for flavoring the chile paste.

Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the onions.

Onions: They add a sweet flavor when sautéed.

Ginger garlic paste: It adds a depth of flavor.

Tomato paste: It enhances the color and flavor of the dish.

Ground red pepper: Adds an additional spicy note.

Ground turmeric: It gives the dish its characteristic yellow color and subtle flavor.

Ground cinnamon: It adds a warm and sweet flavor.

Ground cloves: They add a sweet and spicy flavor.

Lamb shanks: The star of the dish, they are slow cooked until tender.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavors of the dish.

Water: Needed to simmer the lamb.

Fresh cilantro: Used for garnishing and adds a fresh flavor.

One reader, Adore Frey says:

This saucy skillet lamb recipe is a game-changer! The blend of spices creates a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender lamb. The dish is a showstopper and has become a family favorite. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty and delicious meal.

Adore Frey

Mastering the Techniques Behind Saucy Skillet Lamb

How to make chile paste: Toast cumin seeds in a dry skillet, then grind them. Soak dried red chile peppers in apple cider vinegar until soft, then blend with the cumin, and garlic into a paste.

How to cook lamb: Sauté onions, then add ginger garlic paste and chile paste. Stir in tomato paste, ground red pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves. Add lamb shank pieces, salt, and water. Simmer until the lamb is tender and the sauce thickens.

How to serve: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

How To Make Saucy Skillet Lamb

With hints of warm and earthy spices, this skillet lamb promises juicy lamb shanks simmered in thick homemade chile sauce for a harmony of flavors.

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 50 minutes

Total: 2 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Chile Paste:

1tspcumin seeds
6dried red chile peppers,preferably Kashmiri
¼cupapple cider vinegar
1clovegarlic,coarsely chopped, or more to taste

For Lamb:

3tbspvegetable oil
2onions,finely chopped
2tspginger garlic paste
5tbsptomato paste
1tspground red pepper,(cayenne) or to taste
¼tspground turmeric
¼tspground cinnamon
¼tspground cloves
2lbslamb shanks,cut into 1½-inch pieces
½tspsalt
3cupswater
1tbspfresh cilantro,chopped

Instructions

Chile Paste:

Place the cumin seeds into a dry skillet over medium heat, and toast them, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until they give off a roasted fragrance and turn a darker brown.
Scrape the seeds into a bowl, and allow them to cool. When cool, grind them with a mortar and pestle or a clean spice grinder. Set the ground seed aside.
Remove stems of chiles if necessary, and soak pods in the apple cider vinegar in a bowl for at least 1 hour until soft.
Place the softened chiles with vinegar, cumin, and garlic into a blender or food processor, and pulse for 30 seconds to 1 minute or as needed until ground into a paste.

Lamb:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat, and cook and stir the onions for about 10 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in ginger garlic paste and about 1 teaspoon of the chile paste mixture or as desired.
Reduce heat to medium-low, and fry the onions with the pastes for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Stir in tomato paste, ground red pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves, and bring to a simmer. Cook to blend flavors for about 20 minutes.
Mix in the lamb shank pieces, and stir in salt to taste; simmer for 20 minutes, and stir in the water.
Bring the lamb and sauce to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and simmer for 45 more minutes until the lamb is very tender and the sauce has thickened.
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro to serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 418.02kcal
Fat: 27.79g
Saturated Fat: 10.18g
Trans Fat: 0.05g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.51g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.21g
Carbohydrates: 11.36g
Fiber: 2.13g
Sugar: 5.87g
Protein: 30.17g
Cholesterol: 99.79mg
Sodium: 424.69mg
Calcium: 46.51mg
Potassium: 821.27mg
Iron: 3.56mg
Vitamin A: 33.35µg
Vitamin C: 71.85mg

Elevate Your Saucy Skillet Lamb with This Technique Tip

When making the chile paste, it's important to toast the cumin seeds until they release their aroma. This process, known as blooming, helps to intensify the flavor of the spices. Also, when simmering the lamb shanks, make sure to keep the heat low and steady. This slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce. If the sauce reduces too much before the lamb is tender, feel free to add a bit more water.

Time-Saving Tricks for Making Saucy Skillet Lamb

Prep ahead: Prepare the chile paste and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will save time when you're ready to cook the lamb.

Use a food processor: Instead of grinding the cumin seeds with a mortar and pestle, use a food processor to save time and effort.

Slow cooker option: Consider using a slow cooker to cook the lamb shanks. This will allow you to set it and forget it, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the saucy skillet lamb and freeze the extra portions for quick and convenient meals in the future.

Pre-cut ingredients: Consider purchasing pre-cut onions and pre-made ginger garlic paste to save time on prep work.

Substitute Ingredients For Saucy Skillet Lamb Recipe

cumin seeds - Substitute with ground cumin: Ground cumin can be used as a substitute for cumin seeds, as it provides a similar flavor profile and can be easily incorporated into the recipe.
dried red chile peppers - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can be used as a substitute for dried red chile peppers, as it provides a similar level of heat and adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar, as it offers a slightly milder acidity and a fruity flavor that complements the dish.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil, as it adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish and provides a healthier alternative.
ginger garlic paste - Substitute with minced ginger and garlic: Minced ginger and garlic can be used as a substitute for ginger garlic paste, as they provide the same aromatic and flavorful elements to the dish.
tomato paste - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, as it offers a similar tomato flavor and can be thinned out with a little water if needed.
ground red pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can be used as a substitute for ground red pepper, as it provides a similar level of heat and adds a vibrant color to the dish.
ground turmeric - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for ground turmeric, as it offers a warm, spicy flavor and a golden hue to the dish.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground allspice: Ground allspice can be used as a substitute for ground cinnamon, as it provides a similar warm and sweet flavor with hints of clove and nutmeg.
ground cloves - Substitute with ground nutmeg: Ground nutmeg can be used as a substitute for ground cloves, as it offers a warm, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness and complements the other spices in the dish.
lamb shanks - Substitute with beef shanks: Beef shanks can be used as a substitute for lamb shanks, as they offer a similar rich and meaty flavor and can be cooked in the same manner.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, as it provides a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor without the distinctive citrus notes of cilantro.

Presenting Your Saucy Skillet Lamb Masterpiece

Elevate the plating: Arrange the lamb shanks in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring they are stacked neatly and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Incorporate negative space: Leave some areas of the plate empty to create a sense of balance and elegance, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out.
Utilize height: Place the lamb shanks on the plate in a way that creates a sense of verticality, adding visual interest and sophistication to the presentation.
Highlight the sauce: Use a small spoon to drizzle a touch of the flavorful sauce around the lamb shanks, creating an artistic and appetizing display.
Add a touch of luxury: Consider serving the dish on a sleek, modern plate to enhance the overall presentation and create a sense of refinement.
Incorporate complementary colors: Consider using a plate that contrasts with the rich colors of the lamb and sauce, such as a deep blue or dark grey, to make the dish visually striking.
Attention to detail: Wipe any smudges or spills on the plate to ensure a clean and professional presentation that reflects the high standards of a Michelin-starred establishment.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle a pinch of the ground cumin from the chile paste on top of the lamb shanks for a subtle yet impactful finishing touch.

Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Saucy Skillet Lamb

Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is an essential tool for this recipe to toast the cumin seeds and cook the lamb.
Mortar and pestle: This traditional tool is used to grind the toasted cumin seeds into a fine powder, which adds a rich flavor to the dish.
Blender or food processor: A blender or food processor is used to create the chile paste by blending the softened chiles, vinegar, cumin, and garlic into a smooth paste.
Large pot: A large pot is necessary for cooking the lamb shanks and simmering the sauce. It allows for even heat distribution and ample space for the ingredients.

Preserving Perfection: Storing and Freezing Saucy Skillet Lamb

Allow the lamb to cool completely before storing or freezing.
Transfer the cooled lamb and sauce to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
If using a container, make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Store the lamb in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, place the container or bag in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen lamb in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the thawed lamb in a skillet or pot over medium heat until it reaches the desired temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
If the sauce appears too thick after thawing, add a small amount of water or broth to thin it out while reheating.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving the reheated lamb.

Reviving Leftovers: Reheating Tips for Saucy Skillet Lamb

Reheat the lamb in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method helps to preserve the texture of the meat and prevents it from drying out.
If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet while reheating. This will help to loosen the sauce and ensure that the dish remains moist and flavorful.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer the saucy skillet lamb to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the lamb to become tough.
If you have a lot of leftover sauce, consider serving the reheated lamb over a bed of freshly cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa. The grains will absorb some of the excess sauce and make for a more satisfying meal.
To add a fresh twist to your leftovers, garnish the reheated saucy skillet lamb with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, or mint. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt can also help to brighten up the flavors.

Surprising Trivia About Saucy Skillet Lamb

The Saucy Skillet Lamb Recipe is a traditional dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent. It is known for its rich and aromatic flavors, often featuring a blend of spices such as cumin, red pepper, turmeric, and cinnamon. The use of lamb shanks in this recipe adds a unique and hearty texture to the dish. The chile paste, made with dried red chile peppers and apple cider vinegar, contributes to the dish's bold and spicy flavor profile. This dish is a perfect example of the diverse and flavorful cuisine found in the region.

Budgeting for Saucy Skillet Lamb: Is It Cost-Effective?

This saucy skillet lamb recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as lamb shanks, onions, and spices, are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The dish yields a generous portion, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for the entire meal would be around $25, making it a budget-friendly option. The rich flavors and tender lamb make it a satisfying and hearty meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Saucy Skillet Lamb Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This saucy skillet lamb recipe, while flavorful, may not be the healthiest choice due to a few factors:

The recipe uses a significant amount of vegetable oil, which is high in calories and saturated fats
Lamb shanks are a fatty cut of meat, contributing to the overall fat content of the dish
The recipe calls for added salt, which can increase sodium intake

However, the dish also includes some healthy ingredients, such as onions, garlic, ginger, and various spices that offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The tomato paste provides some lycopene, and the cilantro adds a fresh, nutrient-dense garnish.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of vegetable oil used, or opt for a healthier oil like olive oil
Trim any visible fat from the lamb shanks to decrease the overall fat content
Use a low-sodium tomato paste and reduce the added salt to minimize sodium intake
Increase the number of vegetables in the dish, such as adding carrots, bell peppers, or spinach, to boost the nutrient content and fiber
Serve the lamb with a side of whole grains, like brown rice or quinoa, to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates
Use a leaner cut of lamb, such as leg or loin, to reduce the fat content while still maintaining the dish's flavor profile

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Saucy Skillet Lamb Recipe

The saucy skillet lamb recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and spices. The chile paste adds a depth of heat and tanginess, while the aromatic blend of cumin, ginger, and garlic creates a tantalizing base for the succulent lamb shanks. The slow simmering process allows the meat to become tender and infuse with the rich, complex sauce. This dish is a perfect balance of heat, spice, and savory goodness, making it a standout centerpiece for any dining occasion.

Enhance Your Saucy Skillet Lamb Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for soaking up the saucy skillet lamb.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, a refreshing side to balance the rich flavors of the lamb.

Honey Glazed Carrots and Parsnips: Sweet and savory glazed carrots and parsnips, a delightful accompaniment to the saucy skillet lamb.

Exploring Alternatives to Saucy Skillet Lamb

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty stew is perfect for a cozy night in. The tender beef and flavorful broth will warm you up from the inside out.

Citrus Grilled Chicken: This zesty grilled chicken is bursting with fresh citrus flavors. It's the perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a light and healthy dinner.

Mango Coconut Rice Pudding: Indulge in this creamy and tropical rice pudding, made with sweet mango and coconut milk. It's a delightful dessert that will transport you to a tropical paradise.

Spicy Lentil Soup: Warm up with this spicy and comforting lentil soup. It's packed with protein and aromatic spices, making it a satisfying meal on a chilly day.

Appetizers and Desserts: The Perfect Companions for Saucy Skillet Lamb

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a mouthwatering appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The combination of savory and earthy flavors will leave your guests wanting more.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Serve up a taste of the tropics with these crispy coconut shrimp. The crunchy coating and sweet coconut flavor make for a delightful appetizer that will transport your guests to a beachside paradise.

Desserts:

Decadent Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse that will satisfy your sweet tooth. The velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor will leave you wanting more.

Tangy Lemon Tart: Experience the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in a luscious lemon tart. The buttery crust complements the zesty lemon filling for a delightful dessert.

Why trust this Saucy Skillet Lamb Recipe:

This recipe offers a tantalizing fusion of flavors, combining the warmth of cumin seeds and the fiery kick of dried red chile peppers. The use of apple cider vinegar infuses a tangy brightness, while the aromatic blend of ginger garlic paste and ground cloves adds depth. The slow simmering of lamb shanks in a rich, fragrant sauce ensures tender, succulent meat. The addition of fresh cilantro at the end provides a burst of freshness. Trust in the expertise of this recipe to deliver a sensational dining experience.

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FAQ:

What type of lamb should I use for this recipe?

You can use lamb shanks for this recipe. The meat from the shanks becomes tender and flavorful when cooked in the saucy skillet.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less of the chile paste mixture. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Can I make the chile paste ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chile paste in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Is there a substitute for the lamb shanks?

If you prefer, you can use lamb shoulder or leg for this recipe. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the cut of meat.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover saucy skillet lamb. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop when you're ready to enjoy it again.