Harissa lamb, a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to tantalize the taste buds, has a rich history and origin that dates back to North Africa. Originating in Tunisia, this recipe has become a popular choice for those looking to add some spice and excitement to their meals.

The recipe for harissa lamb has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to make it uniquely their own. The combination of tender, succulent lamb and a fiery, peppery harissa sauce creates a truly irresistible flavor profile that is both satisfying and comforting.

While the thought of cooking lamb may seem intimidating to some, the recipe for harissa lamb is surprisingly straightforward and simple to follow. With just a few key ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a dish that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef looking to experiment with new flavors or a novice in the kitchen wanting to try something different, harissa lamb is the perfect choice for a satisfying and delicious meal. So why not give it a try and experience the exotic tastes of North Africa right in your own home?

Ingredients

Lamb Shoulder Bone-in: The main protein source for this recipe, lamb shoulder bone-in is a flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for slow cooking. The bone-in aspect adds extra richness and depth of flavor to the dish.

Olive Oil: Used for cooking the lamb and creating a base for the marinade, olive oil adds a luxurious richness and helps to distribute the flavors of the other ingredients evenly throughout the dish.

Garlic Minced: Garlic is a staple ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes and adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the marinade. Minced garlic ensures that it blends seamlessly with the other spices and herbs.

Harissa Paste: A North African red chili paste made from a blend of roasted red peppers, hot chili peppers, herbs, and spices, harissa paste adds a fiery kick and depth of flavor to the dish. It also provides a vibrant color to the marinade.

Ground Cumin: Cumin is a warm, earthy spice that adds a slightly nutty flavor to the marinade. Ground cumin complements the other spices and helps to create a well-rounded flavor profile.

Ground Coriander: Ground coriander has a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the other spices in the marinade. It adds a fresh and aromatic element to the dish.

Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika is made from dried and smoked red peppers, giving it a rich, smoky flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish. It also provides a vibrant red color to the marinade.

Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor to the dish, complementing the other spices and adding a hint of sweetness to balance out the heat from the harissa paste.

Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to season the lamb, bringing out its natural richness and creating a well-balanced dish.

Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and pungent flavor to the dish, complementing the other spices and herbs in the marinade. It also helps to enhance the overall depth of flavor.

Fresh Coriander Leaves: Fresh coriander leaves, also known as cilantro, add a bright, fresh, and citrusy flavor to the dish. They can be used as a garnish to add a burst of freshness and color to the finished dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For serving suggestions, consider pairing the flavorful Harissa Lamb with couscous or rice pilaf to soak up the delicious juices. You can also serve it with a simple simple salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the lamb. Additionally, a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side can add a cooling element to balance out the heat from the harissa.

• To add some texture and crunch, consider sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or almond slivers on top of the dish before serving.
• If you enjoy a bit of sweetness with your savory dishes, you can drizzle some honey or pomegranate molasses over the lamb before serving.
• For a more Mediterranean twist, serve the Harissa Lamb in a pita with some pickled onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a delicious gyro-style sandwich.

As for variations, you can play around with different cuts of lamb such as lamb chops or leg of lamb for this recipe. Each cut will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. You can also adjust the amount of harissa paste used depending on your spice tolerance – feel free to increase or decrease the amount to suit your preferences.

• If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can add a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade mixture before coating the lamb.
• To add some depth of flavor, you can marinate the lamb overnight in the harissa mixture to allow the spices to penetrate the meat fully.
• If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the lamb with roasted vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers marinated in the harissa mixture before roasting in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is harissa lamb?

Harissa lamb is a dish typically made by marinating lamb in a spicy and flavorful paste made from harissa, a North African chili paste, along with other seasonings such as garlic, cumin, and coriander.

How spicy is harissa lamb?

The spice level of harissa lamb can vary depending on how much harissa paste is used in the marinade. It can range from mildly spicy to very spicy, depending on your personal preference.

How is harissa lamb typically served?

Harissa lamb is often grilled or roasted until the meat is tender and flavorful. It is commonly served with couscous, rice, or flatbreads, along with a side of vegetables or a salad.

Can I adjust the spiciness of harissa lamb?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of harissa lamb by adding more or less harissa paste to the marinade. You can also control the heat by adding other ingredients such as lemon juice or yogurt to balance out the spice level.

What cuts of lamb are best for making harissa lamb?

Lamb chops, leg of lamb, or lamb shanks are all good choices for making harissa lamb. The cut you choose will depend on your personal preference and how you plan to cook the dish.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Grilled Lamb Chops
• Tandoori Leg of Lamb
• Masala Lamb Chops
• Lamb Tikka
• Grilled Chicken Wings

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Harissa Lamb

by Nabeela Kauser

This fiery and aromatic dish combines succulent lamb with a bold North African spice blend, resulting in a mouthwatering culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to exotic locales.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Middle Eastern, Turkish

Servings 4

Calories 280 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 kg Lamb Shoulder bone-in
• ▢ 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• ▢ 3 cloves Garlic minced
• ▢ 2 tbsp Harissa Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Black Pepper
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• ▢ Coriander for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan-assisted).
• In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, harissa paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon to make a spice paste.
• Place the lamb shoulder in a roasting tray and rub it all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
• Spread the spice paste evenly over the lamb, covering it entirely.
• Roast the lamb in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 55-60°C; for medium, aim for 60-65°C.
• Once cooked, remove the lamb from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Notes

Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your spice preference.

Serve with couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 32gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 692mgPotassium: 496mgFibre: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 256IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Cooking, Dinner, Food, Harissa, Harissa Lamb, Lamb, Recipe

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