Herbed Lamb and Leek Linguini Delight
Indulge in this exquisite Herbed Lamb and Leek Linguini Delight, a dish that beautifully balances rich flavors and fresh ingredients. The tender ground lamb is sautéed with aromatic leeks and sweet carrots, then simmered in a white wine-infused sauce that bursts with the essence of ripe tomatoes and fragrant spices. With each slow-simmered bite, the leeks meld into the sauce, creating a subtle yet savory backdrop for the hearty lamb. Topped with a creamy garlic and mint yogurt sauce, this dish is a delightful harmony of flavors that will elevate any dinner table. Perfect served over fresh linguini or your favorite pasta, it's a true culinary experience that you won’t want to miss. Easily adaptable, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
leeks
2 cups (Chopped (white and pale green sections))
carrot
1 cup (Finely sliced)
ground lamb
12 ounces (Raw)
white wine
1 cup (None)
ripe tomatoes
2 cups (Peeled, seeded, and chopped, or canned)
bay leaf
1 (None)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (None)
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (None)
ground coriander
1 teaspoon (None)
salt
to taste (None)
black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
plain yogurt
2 cups (None)
garlic
2-3 cloves (Minced)
fresh mint
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped leeks and finely sliced carrots. Sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
4
Pour in the white wine, increasing the heat to high. Stir frequently until the wine has mostly evaporated, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5
Reduce the heat to medium and add peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), the bay leaf, ground cinnamon, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper to taste.
6
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
While the sauce is cooking, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, and freshly chopped mint. Mix well and let sit at room temperature to allow the flavors to develop.
8
After two hours, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
9
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
10
Serve the lamb sauce generously over the cooked pasta, and drizzle the garlic-mint yogurt sauce over the top for an irresistible finish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Lamb and Leek Linguini Delight?
It is a savory pasta dish featuring tender ground lamb, aromatic leeks, and carrots in a white wine and tomato sauce, topped with a garlic-mint yogurt.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
Linguini is recommended, but you can also use fettuccine, spaghetti, or any long pasta of your choice.
Can I substitute the ground lamb with another meat?
Yes, ground beef or ground turkey can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How do I properly prepare the leeks?
Use only the white and pale green sections, chop them, and ensure they are washed thoroughly to remove any trapped grit.
Is there an alternative to using white wine?
You can replace the white wine with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 2 hours to allow the spices to meld and the lamb to become tender.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, 2 cups of canned tomatoes work perfectly as a substitute for fresh, peeled, and seeded tomatoes.
What spices give this dish its unique flavor?
The dish is seasoned with a blend of ground cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and a bay leaf.
How do I make the garlic-mint yogurt sauce?
Mix 2 cups of plain yogurt with 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 cup of freshly chopped mint.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the topping.
Is this lamb pasta dish spicy?
The dish is aromatic and flavorful due to the cumin and cinnamon, but it is not 'hot' spicy unless you add chili flakes.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the lamb sauce?
The lamb sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months; however, it is best to make the yogurt sauce fresh.
What is the preparation time for the vegetables?
Chopping the leeks and finely slicing the carrots should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Why must the sauce simmer for two hours?
Slow simmering breaks down the fibers in the meat and vegetables, resulting in a rich, integrated sauce.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
Fresh mint is preferred for its brightness, but you can use 1-2 teaspoons of dried mint if fresh is unavailable.
What type of white wine is recommended for the sauce?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for deglazing the pan.
Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?
Yes, diced bell peppers or celery would make excellent additions to the base of the sauce.
How do I know when the ground lamb is cooked?
Cook the lamb until it is completely browned and there is no visible pink remaining, usually 6-8 minutes.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used and will provide a thicker, creamier texture for the sauce.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
A crisp green salad or roasted zucchini pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the lamb.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the yogurt sauce, but 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick during simmering, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
How do I prevent the yogurt sauce from separating?
Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the hot pasta just before serving rather than mixing it into the boiling sauce.
Can I substitute butter with oil?
Yes, olive oil or avocado oil are healthy alternatives to unsalted butter for sautéing the vegetables.
Should I peel the carrots?
Yes, peeling the carrots is recommended before finely slicing them to ensure a smooth texture in the sauce.
Can I use whole spices instead of ground?
This recipe calls for ground spices; if using whole, you should grind them first or toast and remove them before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The sauce is gluten-free, but you must use a certified gluten-free pasta to make the entire meal gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredients, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on the amount of pasta prepared.