Best Greek Yogurt Honey Braised Lamb Recipes

GREEK BONELESS LEG OF LAMB (SLOW COOKER)

Steps:

• Pat lamb dry and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides (if you have the time, set it aside at room temperature for up to 1 hour, otherwise continue on)
• Coat the bottom of a large skillet (I used my cast iron skillet) with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil. Heat skillet over medium heat until oil is shimmering but not smoking. Add the lamb and brown well on all sides (increase heat to medium-high if needed); about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool enough to handle.
• Cut a few slits into the lamb on both sides and insert a slice of garlic in each of the slits.
• Now make a wet garlic spice rub for the lamb. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and paprika. Add lemon juice and 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Coat lamb on all sides with the garlic spice rub.
• Add pearl onions (or shallots) to the bottom of a large slow cooker (crock pot). Add wine and broth, then add the spiced lamb on top.
• Cover slow cooker and set on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours until lamb is fork-tender and you can easily pull it apart.
• Transfer to a serving platter adding the cooking juice on top or to the side to serve along. (See sides to serve along in the notes)

GREEK YOGURT-HONEY BRAISED LAMB

Steps:

• Combine the lamb meat with the sea salt and Greek oregano, allow to rest, covered at room temperature, for one hour.
• Add all the remaining ingredients except the water or stock and combine well.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
• Add the liquid and bake in a covered casserole at 350°F for approximately 2 1/2 - 3 hours.
• Remove and serve.

GREEK BRAISED LAMB WITH GREEN BEANS AND TOMATO

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat.
• Add the diced lamb and cook until the meat is browned.
• Stir in the trimmed beans and onion. Cook for approx 10 minutes, stirring occassionally.
• Stir in the passata sauce, water, salt and pepper to taste and the chopped mint.
• Reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 3/4 hour to one hour -- until the meat is cooked through and the beans are tender.
• Check the liquid content of the dish at the 30 minute mark and if there seems to be too much liquid, simmer uncovered for the remaining cooking time.

GREEK LAMB WITH YOGURT MINT SAUCE

Steps:

• Place the garlic, rosemary, oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and pulse until the herbs are finely minced. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and red wine and combine. Place the chops in a glass or ceramic dish just large enough to hold them in a single layer. Pour the marinade over the chops, turning to coat both sides. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight.
• When ready to cook, prepare a grill with one layer of hot coals or turn a gas grill to medium-high heat. Remove the lamb from the marinade, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and grill for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove to a platter, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and set aside to rest for 10 minutes. Serve hot with the cold Yogurt Mint Sauce.
• Place the scallions, mint, dill, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and puree until it's a coarse paste. Add the yogurt, salt, and pepper and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop.