Christmas Lamb Recipes: A Festive Feast

Christmas is a time for celebration and feasting, and lamb is a traditional dish that is enjoyed by many around the world. There are many different ways to cook lamb for Christmas, from simple roasts to more elaborate dishes.

Roasted Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic

This classic recipe is simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Ingredients: * 1 leg of lamb (about 5 pounds) * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 teaspoon dried rosemary * 1 teaspoon minced garlic * Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. 3. Rub the mixture all over the lamb. 4. Place the lamb in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) for medium-rare. 5. Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Lamb Shanks with Red Wine Sauce

This hearty dish is perfect for a cold winter night. Ingredients: * 4 lamb shanks * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 onion, chopped * 2 carrots, chopped * 2 celery stalks, chopped * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1 cup red wine * 2 cups beef broth * 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce * 1 teaspoon dried thyme * Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C). 2. In a large Dutch oven or ovenproof pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 3. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides. 4. Remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set aside. 5. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened. 6. Add the red wine and bring to a boil. 7. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the wine has reduced by half. 8. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour. 10. Return the lamb shanks to the pot and nestle them in the sauce. 11. Cover and bake for 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender. 12. Serve the lamb shanks with the sauce over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto

These grilled lamb chops are a flavorful and sophisticated dish that is sure to impress your guests. Ingredients: * 1 pound lamb chops * 1 tablespoon olive oil * Salt and pepper to taste For the mint pesto: * 1 cup fresh mint leaves * 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese * 1/2 cup olive oil * 1/4 cup pine nuts * 2 cloves garlic, minced * Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. 2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, and pepper. 3. Brush the lamb chops with the olive oil mixture. 4. Grill the lamb chops for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired degree of doneness. 5. While the lamb chops are grilling, make the mint pesto. 6. In a food processor, combine the mint leaves, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. 7. Process until smooth. 8. Serve the lamb chops with the mint pesto on top. No matter which recipe you choose, you are sure to enjoy a delicious and festive meal with your family and friends this Christmas.