GREEK LAMB WITH ORZO

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My mom found a recipe for Greek Lamb with Orzo in a magazine Cooking Light or Eating Well or one of those types and tried it out on us. It was a hit and became a mainstay of our family meals even today.

Provided by LINDA BAILEY

Categories     Pasta Sides

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 lb ground lamb
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
6 clove garlic, sliced thinly
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
28 oz can(s) of whole tomatoes, drained and smooshed with your hands
14 oz can(s) chopped/diced tomatoes
5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
1 lb orzo pasta
2 c chopped fresh parsley
1/4 c lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 Tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 c kalamata olives, pitted and finely chopped
1/2 c crumbled feta

Steps:

  • 1. In a good sized Dutch oven or other heavy bottomed pan, heat the one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it is shimmering. Add the lamb and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a good grinding of black pepper. Cook, stirring to break it apart, until it is nicely browned.
  • 2. Remove the lamb with a slotted spoon and drain all but 2 tablespoons of the fat. Return the pot to the stove top and add the onion and garlic (still over medium high). Cook, stirring occasionally,until they are softened and golden,about 5 minutes.
  • 3. Stir in the spices cinnamon,oregano,cumin, coriander and red pepper and cook until they start smelling extremely toasty and fragrant (1-2 minutes). Then stir in the smooshed tomatoes. Cook the smooshed tomatoes in the spices stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.
  • 4. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Turn down to a simmer and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Add the cooked lamb back to the pot,give a good stir. Then cover the pot and leave it to cook,stirring from time to time for 20 minutes.
  • 5. At this point, stir in the fresh spinach and cook just a couple more minutes until the spinach is wilted. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste (keeping in mind you'll be sprinkling just a touch of feta and olives on, which will add to the saltiness).
  • 6. While the lamb and tomatoes are simmering together and marrying their flavors,bring a large pot of well-salted water (it should taste like sea water,basically) to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente,about 7-8 minutes usually. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • 7. Drain the orzo. Toss the orzo with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil,the lemon juice and all of the parsley. Add a bit of pasta water at a time if you feel it needs additional liquid. Spread the orzo out on an enormous serving platter.
  • 8. Spoon the lamb and sauce all over the top,then sprinkle with the feta and chopped olives. Pass the dish around the table and relax. A good red wine on the dry side,is a highly recommended companion here.

Harriet Khosa
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The lamb was a bit tough, but the orzo was cooked perfectly.


riaz jani
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This dish was a bit too salty for my taste, but otherwise it was very good. I would recommend using less salt next time.


Ledjan Hysa
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and the flavors are amazing. The lamb is always tender and juicy, and the orzo is cooked perfectly. I always get rave reviews when I make this dish.


Gulab jani Jani
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This recipe was easy to follow and the end result was delicious. The lamb was fall-off-the-bone tender and the orzo was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


Sushil Free
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I'm not a huge fan of lamb, but this dish was surprisingly good. The lamb was tender and not gamey at all. The orzo was also cooked perfectly. I would definitely make this again.


Samra Khan
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This was my first time making Greek lamb and orzo, and it was a success! The lamb was tender and flavorful, and the orzo was cooked perfectly. I loved the combination of the lemon, herbs, and spices. Will definitely be making this again!


Boyfriend Chuquiana
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I followed the recipe exactly and the dish turned out perfectly. The lamb was tender and juicy, and the orzo was cooked al dente. The lemon-herb sauce was also delicious. I highly recommend this recipe!


Hjdhdg Hsjhsd
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This recipe is a keeper! The lamb was so tender and flavorful, and the orzo was cooked perfectly. I loved the combination of the lemon, herbs, and spices. This dish is definitely going into my regular rotation.


Barbara Rogers
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The lamb was a bit tough, but the orzo was cooked perfectly.


Arah Tawhitapou
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This dish was a bit too salty for my taste, but otherwise it was very good. I would recommend using less salt next time.


Ruth juma
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and the flavors are amazing. The lamb is always tender and juicy, and the orzo is cooked perfectly. I always get rave reviews when I make this dish.


Aedyn P
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This was my first time cooking lamb and it turned out great! The recipe was easy to follow and the lamb was cooked perfectly. The orzo was also delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


Andrew Malone
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I've made this dish a few times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The lamb is always so tender and juicy, and the orzo is cooked perfectly. The lemon-herb sauce is the perfect finishing touch.


naman Bhakta
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This recipe was easy to follow and the end result was amazing. The lamb was fall-off-the-bone tender and the orzo was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


Trap anje
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I'm a huge fan of Greek food, and this dish did not disappoint. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the orzo was delicious. I especially liked the tangy lemon sauce. Highly recommend!


Brad Tsosie
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This Greek lamb and orzo dish was a hit with my family! The lamb was so tender and flavorful, and the orzo was cooked perfectly. I loved the combination of the lemon, herbs, and spices. Will definitely be making this again!