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Braising
Heat a small amount of fat in a heavy frying pan and brow
lamb on all sides. Pour off drippings and season as desired.
Add a small amount of liquid such as water or stock (add a
little wine, if desired.) Cover pan tightly and cook at a
low temperature until tender.
Broiling
This method is great for lamb chops or steaks (which should
be 1-1/2-inches thick.) Preheat the broiler on high (or according
to manufacturer's directions.) Place well-trimmed lamb on
a rack in the broiling pan; place 3 to 4 inches from the heat
source. Turn the lamb once during cooking, until desired doneness
is reached. Season and serve immediately.
Braising
There are a number of different types of lamb dishes that
can be cooked via this method, including stews, curries and
Moroccan tagines. The basic process involves browning the
lamb on all sides in a small amount of oil, before covering
the meat with the liquid or sauce ingredients the recipe requires.
Cover pan or Dutch oven tightly and simmer (do NOT boil) until
lamb is fork tender.
Slow Cookers
Many braised dishes can be prepared in a slow cooker with
excellent results. Brown meat as described above before placing
in slow cooker. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for converting
a recipe to a slow cooker. Since very little evaporation takes
place when using slow cookers, you may want to increase the
seasoning and reduce the liquid somewhat. Make sure all meat
and vegetables are covered with liquid. For best results,
manufacturers recommend slow cookers be at least one-half
to three-quarters full. Keep the lid on for the minimum cooking
time. There is no need to stir with slow cookers.
Pan-broiling
Place lamb in a heavy frying pan. Do not add fat or water,
and do not cover. Cook slowly and turn lamb occasionally,
pouring off any drippings that accumulate. Cook until lamb
is brown on both sides and to desired doneness.
Pan-frying: Heat a small amount of oil in a heavy frying pan.
If the pan smokes, the temperature is too high. Add lamb and
brown slowly, turning occasionally.
Roasting
Place roast, fat-side up on rack in oven roasting pan, and
sprinkle with seasoning as desired. Insert thermometer in
the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to let the
thermometer rest against the bone. Remove roast when the thermometer
registers 5 degrees lower than desired doneness. Allow to
stand in warm place for 15-20 minutes after removed.
Grilling
Lamb is an ideal meat for grilling. Its delicate flavor is
delicious grilled only with salt and pepper as seasonings
but is also excellent with marinades, herbs and dry rubs.
Grill loin or rib lamb chops, cut 1- to 1-1/2- inches thick,
in a covered grill over medium hot coals about 3-5 minutes
per side. Best served medium to medium-rare. To grill a bone-in
leg of lamb, it is best to use the indirect cooking method
in a covered BBQ (see manufacturer's instructions). Cook,
adding a handful of fresh charcoal about every 30 minutes,
until the meat is medium rare, about 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Once
the leg is cooked, it should be allowed to rest slightly covered
in foil for between 5-10 minutes. A butterflied leg, which
is boned and flattened out into one piece, can be grilled
over hot coals for 20-25 minutes per side.
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