Roast Lamb in Parchment (Αρνί ψητό στη λαδόκολλα)
Apr 26th, 2010 | By Peter Minakis | Category: Cheese, Featured, Greek, Greek Wine, Herbs, How To, Lamb, Lemon, Main, Olive Oil, Potato
Oh how many ways to cook a lamb there are. I’m just a Greek guy sharing the many ways. You have braised, boiled, grilled, rotisserie and roast. Then you have your whole lamb, or sections of lamb on the spit, leg of lamb, shoulder, chops, steaks and in this case, the shank.
All these recipes are also interchangeable with goat, another oft’enjoyed meat by Greeks, a little more expensive, not as fatty and coveted more than lamb. I can interchange/enjoy both meats, which are a joy to cook and a pleasure to present for a meal. Oh, as if I would forget…delicious!
Today, I’m sharing a method of cooking lamb that’s utilized by Greek homes and tavernas and restaurants: roast lamb wrapped in parchment paper. It’s important to know that it’s NOT wax paper – do not use the latter with this recipe. Parchment paper can be found in the baking section of your supermarket as it’s often used to line baking sheets for cookies and other sweets and treats.
Parchment’s next most popular use is “en papillote”, where a packet of fish or seafood (or other protein) is paired with a starch and vegetables and bundled up and thrown in the oven and then presented to your table of guests. I like this presentation and most people like surprises…as long as the surprise is a tasty one!
One of the traditional pairings with lamb is potatoes, you need lemons, lots of garlic, fresh herbs and a favourite for Greeks…firm sheep’s milk cheese. In this case Kefalotyri cheese.
I emphasize a firm sheep’s milk cheese that bursts with flavour and little of it will melt, retaining it’s shape and giving each portion some bursts of cheezy goodness. This cheese is sharp and in this instance I cut it up into small cubes. You can find Kefalotryi cheese at your Greek grocer and the shop keeper will surely carry it. IF you don’t have Greek grocer in your area, a firm Pecorino Roamno will also work well.
Most of you will have access to lamb, be it local or imported. Here in the province of Ontario we are lucky to have our own source of lamb and quite frankly, I wonder who buys those piles of frozen New Zealand sitting in supermarket freezers? I could eat either but local is my preference.
This dish is not difficult, with the most valued “ingredient” being time. You will need just over two hours for this dish to be a success: moist lamb meat that falls off the bone, aromatic, delicious and easy on the eye. Lamb goes wonderfully with potatoes and both lamb and potatoes demand a little citrus in the mix. Add some fresh herbs and seasoning and the dish is nearly complete.
I also love the addition of sweet paprika, a warm and subtle spice that enhances both the flavour and colour of the potatoes and lamb. Paprika (sweet, hot and smoked) are all derived from ripe red peppers that are dried and then ground into a powder that you and I recognize as paprika. In my parents’ home town, sweet, hot and smoked paprika are sold by local vendors and we always bring some back.
The packaging of this dish is the last link and you may take the time to bundle up individual portions or just go family style, as I did. I used lamb shanks in this case but you can also use pieces of leg or shoulder. I though shanks would make for a good presentation, my family agreed, empty plates, empty wine bottles and satiated Greeks. What’s on your plate for next Sunday’s dinner?
Roast Lamb in Parchment (ΑÏνί ψητό στη λαδόκολλα)
(serves 6)
6 lamb shanks
1 head of garlic
1/2 stick of melted butter
coarse sea salt
fresh ground pepper
2 Tbsp. of fresh thyme
6 small sprigs of fresh rosemary
12-15 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup of olive oil
zest of 2 lemons
juice of 1 lemon
1 Tbsp. of sweet paprika
Kefalotyri cheese, cubed
2 sheets of parchment paper
Pre-heated 350F oven
- Smash your head of garlic, remove the skins and cut the cloves of garlic into slivers. Using a paring knife 9or other small knife), insert the knife into the lamb shanks then insert a sliver of garlic inside, then remove the knife from the opening. Pierce and insert slivers of garlic all over your lamb shanks. Add any remaining garlic into a large bowl.
- Now add your potatoes, your olive oil, sweet paprika, lemon juice and zest, salt and pepper, cubes of Kefalotyri cheese. Toss to coat and reserve.
- Melt your butter in a microwave or on your stovetop and pour over your lamb shanks and rub all over. Now season with coarse sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Now take two large sheets of parchment paper and center in your baking sheet/vessel. Lay one sheet vertically and then the other horizontally.
- Place your lamb shanks in the middle and now empty the potatoes (plus liquid and cheese) all around the lamb shanks. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over your lamb shanks and then place a small sprig of rosemary on top of each shank.
- Bring up the four flaps of parchment to the middle and twist to close up the opening. Use some butcher’s twine to tie-up and secure the package.
- Place your lamb package in your pre-heated 350F oven and bake for 2 hours. Remove from the oven and snip the butcher’s twine and open up the package. Place back in the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the lamb takes on a lovely brown colour.
- Remove from the oven and place on a serving platter and serve. Divide into portions of a lamb shank, some roast potatoes and some cubes of Kefalotyri cheese and spoon over some pan juices.
- Serve with an Alpha Estate Syrah.
If you are not reading this post in a feed reader or at http://kalofagas.ca then the site you are reading is illegally publishing copyrighted material. Contact me at truenorth67 AT gmail DOT COM. All recipes, text and photographs in this post are the original creations & property of the author.
© 2007-2010 Peter Minakis
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© 2010, Peter Minakis. All rights reserved. If you are not reading this post in a feed reader or at http://kalofagas.ca then the site you are reading is illegally publishing copyrighted material. Contact me at truenorth67 AT gmail DOT COM. All recipes, text and photographs in this post are the original creations & property of the author.
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Drooool!
I have nothing more to say!
I love the idea of tying up the entire meal in one parchment package! I think I’d bring it to table just that way; it’s such a dramatic presentation.
Ï„Îλειο φαγάκι, και μεις τσακίσαμε Îνα αÏνάκι εχθÎÏ‚, χαιÏετισμοÏÏ‚ από την πατÏίδα
Oh that looks so tender & succulent!
I think Lamb Shanks may be my absolute favorite cut of meat to cook. I always do them in a Dutch Oven which would also braise the shanks. This would be great for those days where I don’t have enough room or want to try something a bit different, they came out beautifully!
(FYI your right click blocker makes it challenging to add a comment, I can’t fix my spelling errors or click on the end of a line. Any chance you can turn it off for comments?)
I love Lamb too, but don’t cook it often enough. Love the parchment idea. Great dish
Γίνονται πεντανόστιμα τα κÏÎατα στη λαδόκολλα!
Looks and sounds like a great recipe Peter. I love cooking with parchment as everything remains so succulent. I love everything you’ve added in here to make this dish … and it’s easy to place all the ingredients in together and just cook away (not to mention clean up is a breeze!).
~*sigh*~ you do it to me once again…excuse me while I wipe up my desk here. All full of fabulosity you are ;-)
I really enjoy a slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone lamb shank but I’ve never had it cooked in parchment. And if it wasn’t tasty enough, those little cheese cubes add another texture and taste to savor.
I only use parchment for fish!!! Look at what I’ve been missing.
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kalofagas: http://bit.ly/dbFaz4 New blog post- Roast lamb in parchment. Try this meal for your next Sunday dinner!…
You are the king of lamb cookery and every single recipe is sensational.
Oh wow! I never thought of doing lamb shanks this way – I usually braise them. As it happens, next weekend I am doing your recent pork belly dish.
Love cooking with parchment so simple yet all the flavors infuse. This is a perfect way to enjoy dinner or better yet serve it to friends.
i love packaged goods, and this is undeniably fall-off-the-bone tender. great method and recipe, peter!
τα κÏÎατα στην λαδόκολλα γίνονται καταπληκτικά και εσενα δείχνει να σου Îχει πετÏχει Ï€Î¿Î»Ï !!!
όσο για τις πατατοÏλες ? και τι δεν θα εδινα να είχα μια – δυό μεÏιδοÏλες !!!!
πολλά φιλια Î Î®Ï„ÎµÏ !!
Another delicious looking lamb meal Peter………..my mouth is watering!! I love meals that come ‘wrapped up’! Cheers.
Hm, goat meat is cheaper here I think! A plus! :P
Yum, lamb, garlic, potatoes, and cheese – what’s not to love? :)
Looks delicious Peter! Love baking and cooking with parchment, it’s so darn convenient!
Right now I am saying to myself, “Why didn’t I go with my first instinct and pick up that kefalotyri cheese at the market yesterday.” This dish sounds so droolworthy Peter.
You have done something with your pictures, right. They are spectacular! Love the idea of cooking in Parchment. I have done it with chicken and fish, but never lamb. Thx for the inspiration!!
I love every ingredient you’ve put in! Lamb, rosemary, sweet paprika and cheese to name a few.
It all looks truly delicious Peter.
What a great idea with the parchment! The meat is fall-off-the-bone delicious. Everything you make has a gorgeous color to it as well that is instantly appealing.
That is one awesome recipe! Had never seen lamb shanks cooked en papillotes before!! Finally, you are using a whole head of garlic! It is about time or I was going to protest very loudly with the Greek authorities!
Hi Peter, You are a lamb expert : ), when I think of how to prepare lamb, I will think of your blog.
That sure is a fun presentation. The lamb looks like mahogany – such a beautiful color!
I’ve never cooked lamb in parchment but this looks so easy and delicious. I’ll have to give it a whirl.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kalofagas Greek Food, Joel Mack. Joel Mack said: Credit where credit is due: enjoying Roast Lamb in Parchment, recipe from @kalofagas, and it Rocks ! http://tinyurl.com/396nbb9 [...]
I am making this meal for a second time in 1 week. This is a spectacular recipe and my Cretan husband loves it! Very easy and virtually no clean up after eating. It’s wonderful with a Greek salad and crusty bread. Thank you Peter!
[...] across this roast lamb in parchment recipe which is my new favourite. I got this Greek recipe from Kalofagas, my favourite Greek food blog. If you like lamb or if you like tender, slow cooked meat, then this [...]