Main Dishes

Braised Lamb Shanks

Makes 8 servings Braising is often used for cooking leaner and tougher cuts of meat like lamb shanks, which braise beautifully. As the meat slowly cooks, the connective tissue dissolves, the meat becomes tender, and the juices develop into a rich sauce. Serve with couscous or rice pilaf to soak […]

Grilling, Main Dishes

Grilled Lamb Kebobs with Walnut-Herb Sauce

Makes 8 servings Grilled lamb is a nice change of pace from the typical chicken or steak kebobs, and we are especially fond of this combination of lightly marinated lamb shoulder and the flavorful walnut-herb sauce, bright and tangy from lots of lemon. Use the same marinade and pairings for […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Homemade Pasta for Two on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is less about being in love and more about sharing love, whether that’s with a partner, a family member, or your very best friends. We may be biased, but here at The CIA, we don’t think there’s a much better way to show someone you care than to […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Identifying Cuts of Meat

Knowing how to cook is more than knowing techniques, it’s also important to know all about the best ingredients for the dish you hope to prepare. Different cooking methods call for different cuts of meat, and the first step to making the right choice is simply understanding the physiology of […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Irish-style Lamb Stew

Makes 10 servings Ingredients 4 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into spoon-size pieces 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock 1 bay leaf 1 sprig fresh thyme 3 fresh parsley stems 4 cups (two 10-ounce bags) pearl onions, blanched and peeled (or frozen) […]

Main Dishes

Lamb and Pumpkin Couscous

Makes 4 to 6 servings This is a lamb and pumpkin stew served on a bed of couscous. If you want to change it up a little bit, make the dish with Israeli couscous in the style of risotto. It will be creamy and delicious, if not exactly traditional. Ingredients […]

Main Dishes

Lamb Biryani

Makes 8 servings Biryani is a signature rice dish in Indian cuisine known especially for its scrumptious, colorful presentation. Made with basmati rice, it can be created with lamb, chicken, beef, or vegetables and features generous amounts of sweet spices, as well as nuts and raisins. In this recipe, it’s […]

Main Dishes

Lamb Chops with Fava Beans

Makes 4 to 6 Servings Lamb Chop Marinade Ingredients 1 cup olive oil 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 rosemary springs, leaves chopped 2 thyme springs, leaves chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper, as needed 12 to 18 lamb chops (about 3 1/2 ounces each) Directions Mix the oil, […]

Grilling

Spicy Lamb Kebabs With Pickled Grapes

Makes 8 servings Lamb Kebabs Ingredients 10 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley 2 tablespoons minced oregano 1 tablespoon ground coriander 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger 2 teaspoons Spanish-style paprika 2 teaspoons […]

Main Dishes

Troccoli with Lamb and Pepper Sauce

Makes 6 servings Though this sauce is relatively basic, lamb adds that sort of can’t-quite-place-it flavor that you and your guests will love. We like pairing it with homemade Troccoli pasta, but you can use whatever dried variety you prefer. Make the sauce well-ahead, if you like, and freeze it […]

Chef's Notes Plus

What I’m Cooking: Crispy Lamb Pitas

I am such a fan of gyros and souvlaki and other Greek and Mediterranean-style “things in pita.” I occasionally make gyro meat at home, though without a rotisserie, it doesn’t quite have the same charm. This week’s pitas were my simplified homage to this favorite food, and I actually think […]