**Arni Psito: A Culinary Journey into Traditional Greek Spit-Roasted Delicacy**
In the heart of the Mediterranean, where the sun-kissed lands of Greece meet the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, there lies a culinary treasure that has captivated taste buds for centuries: Arni Psito, the traditional spit-roasted lamb or goat. This exquisite dish, also known as "Anatolitiko Psito" or "Psito Fournou," embodies the essence of Greek hospitality, simplicity, and love for fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Arni Psito is not merely a meal; it's an experience that transports you to the vibrant tavernas of Greece, where the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of roasting meat and the lively chatter of friends and family gathered around a table laden with delicious food. The tender, succulent meat, infused with a symphony of herbs, spices, and citrus, is the centerpiece of this culinary masterpiece.
This article presents a comprehensive guide to preparing Arni Psito, offering two delectable recipes: one for a classic Arni Psito and another for a modern twist with a lemony marinade. Both recipes capture the authentic flavors and techniques that have made this dish a timeless favorite.
As you embark on this culinary journey, let the aromas of roasting meat and the flavors of Greece transport you to a world of culinary delight. Gather your friends and family, set the table, and prepare to savor the extraordinary taste of Arni Psito, a dish that embodies the warmth, generosity, and passion of the Greek people.
BAKED LAMB AND ORZO (ARNI YOUVETSI)
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Rub the lamb with olive oil and sprinkle very liberally with salt and pepper. Sear the lamb in a heavy bottomed skillet. Transfer to a casserole dish.
- Add a little olive oil to the skillet, then add the onions. Cook until tender, then stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook until they start to become incorporated with the onions. Add the diced tomatoes and broth and bring to a boil; season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the liquid to the lamb casserole. Cover it and bake until the lamb is very tender, about 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Add the orzo and stir. Add some hot water if it starts to look dry and continue to bake, uncovered, until the orzo is cooked, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Serve pieces of the lamb alongside the orzo and top generously with your choice of cheese.
GEORGE'S SPECIAL TURKEY ON A BICYCLE SPIT
Provided by George Duran
Categories main-dish
Time 5h10m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat the oven to 325 degrees F. Let the turkey sit at room temperature while the oven is heating.
- When you are ready to cook, make the rub. Combine the dried sage, seafood seasoning, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the olive oil using just enough to make the rub the consistency of wet mud. Massage the rub all over the turkey. Stuff the fresh herbs into the cavity. Using butcher's twine, truss the turkey: tie the legs together and make sure the wings are held tight against the turkey's body. If you are using a rotisserie, put the turkey onto the spit. Otherwise, place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and put it into the oven. Mix together the lemon juice and olive oil and baste the bird every 20 minutes. Bake the turkey for approximately 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature taken at the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F and the thickest part of the breast reaches 160 degrees F. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving; the temperature will raise 5 degrees while the turkey rests. If you do not have a meat thermometer, the juices should run clear when the turkey is poked in a few places [between the leg and thigh] with a fork.
ARNI PSITO - ROAST LEG OF LAMB
We love the simplicity of this recipe. The seasonings highlight the flavor of the lamb and the roasting method is no-fuss, tried and true. Feel free to use a combination of seasonings that pleases your family. This is based on a recipe from a book entitled The Grecian Plate compiled by The Hellenic Ladies Society of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Durham, North Carolina (1984).
Provided by Acerast
Categories Lamb/Sheep
Time 3h10m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 500°F.
- Place lamb fat-side up in shallow roasting pan.
- Rub lamb with olive oil and lemon juice; season with rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper and garlic.
- Place in oven, reduce heat to 350F and rost lamb for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 175-180°F.
- To add the optional potates, about 40 minutes before lamb is done, peel and quarter 6 large potatoes and place them around the lamb. Sprinkle with additional lemon juice, salt, pepper and oregano to taste.
- After 20 minutes of baking, turn potatoes over to brown other side.
- Continue roasting until potatoes pierce easily with a fork.
- Let lamb stand 20 minutes before carving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 749.3, Fat 52.7, SaturatedFat 20.7, Cholesterol 227.9, Sodium 194.6, Carbohydrate 1.4, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.2, Protein 63.4
Tips:
- Choose the right cut of meat: For spit-roasting, a leg of lamb or goat is the best choice. It has a good amount of fat, which will help keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Marinate the meat: Marinating the meat helps to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. Use a marinade made with olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, and lemon juice.
- Use a good quality charcoal: The type of charcoal you use will have a big impact on the flavor of the meat. Use a hardwood charcoal, such as oak or maple, for a smoky flavor.
- Cook the meat slowly: Spit-roasting is a slow-cooking method, so be patient. The meat should be cooked over a low heat for several hours, until it is tender and juicy.
- Baste the meat regularly: Basting the meat with the marinade or a mixture of olive oil and water will help to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
- Let the meat rest before carving: Once the meat is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Conclusion:
Arni psito, or spit-roasted lamb or goat, is a traditional Greek dish that is perfect for a special occasion. With its tender, juicy meat and smoky flavor, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Next time you want to cook a memorable meal, give arni psito a try. You won't be disappointed!
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