Turkish Braised Lamb with Mint Yogurt Sauce
This exquisite dish, known as Laban Ummu, hails from the rich culinary traditions of Turkey. My daughter learned to make it during her time at ACCC culinary school, instantly falling in love with its unique flavors and textures. The tender, slow-cooked lamb is enveloped in a creamy yogurt sauce infused with mint and garlic, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is not just a feast for the palate but also a celebration of cultural cuisine. Serve it alongside baked sweet potatoes for a wholesome, satisfying experience.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lamb shank
1 lb (cut into cubes)
Water
1 quart (for cooking)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
White pearl onion
1/2 lb (skins removed)
Plain yogurt
1 quart (for mixing)
Clarified butter
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
Mint
2 tablespoons (fresh, chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the cubed lamb into a Dutch oven and cover it with water. Make sure the water is sufficient to submerge the lamb completely.
2
Add the salt and pearl onions to the pot, mixing to combine.
3
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Allow the lamb to stew for about 1 hour, or until it becomes fork-tender.
4
Once the lamb is cooked, carefully remove and set aside the liquid in the pot. You may discard it or reserve it for another use.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lamb with the yogurt, stirring until the meat is well coated. Warm this mixture over low heat for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
6
In a separate skillet, melt the clarified butter over low heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
7
Stir in the remaining salt and the mint, mixing well before adding this aromatic blend to the yogurt-lamb mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly.
8
Serve the dish warm, accompanied by baked sweet potatoes for a comforting and delicious meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
5g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turkish Braised Lamb with Mint Yogurt Sauce?
Also known as Laban Ummu, it is a traditional Turkish dish featuring tender, slow-cooked lamb in a creamy yogurt sauce flavored with mint and garlic.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lamb shank, cut into cubes.
How long does the lamb need to simmer?
The lamb should stew for about 1 hour or until it is fork-tender.
How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling?
To prevent curdling, warm the mixture over low heat and stir frequently for only 2 to 4 minutes.
What is the recommended side dish?
The recipe recommends serving the lamb with baked sweet potatoes for a wholesome experience.
What type of onions are required?
The dish uses 1/2 lb of white pearl onions with the skins removed.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 300 calories per serving of this dish.
Is this recipe considered low carb?
Yes, it is tagged as a low carb recipe, containing approximately 5g of carbohydrates.
What type of fat is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of clarified butter for sautéing the garlic.
How much protein is in this dish?
This lamb dish provides 37.5g of protein per serving.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 chopped garlic cloves for the aromatic blend.
What is the primary liquid used for braising?
The lamb is braised in 1 quart of water.
Is fresh or dried mint used?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of fresh, chopped mint.
How much yogurt is needed?
The recipe requires 1 quart of plain yogurt.
What equipment should I use for braising the lamb?
A Dutch oven is recommended for cooking the cubed lamb.
Should the cooking water be kept after the lamb is done?
Once the lamb is tender, you remove it and may discard the liquid or reserve it for another use.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The dish contains 15g of fat.
How much salt is used in the dish?
A total of 2 teaspoons of salt are used, split between the braising and the aromatic mixture.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
The chopped garlic should be sautéed gently for about 1 minute.
Can this recipe be prepared for guests?
Yes, it is described as a delightful centerpiece perfect for entertaining guests.
What is the origin of this specific recipe version?
This version was learned at the ACCC culinary school.
How is the lamb prepared before cooking?
The 1 lb of lamb shank should be cut into cubes.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No sugar is listed in the nutritional information for this recipe.
What temperature should the lamb be cooked at?
The lamb should first be brought to a rolling boil and then reduced to low heat for a gentle simmer.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The flavor profile is defined by rich lamb, creamy yogurt, fresh mint, and aromatic garlic.
Is this a traditional Turkish dish?
Yes, it is known as Laban Ummu and hails from Turkish culinary traditions.
How do you incorporate the aromatic butter?
The melted clarified butter mixed with garlic and mint is stirred thoroughly into the yogurt-lamb mixture.
Is there fiber in this dish?
Fiber information is not provided and is likely negligible depending on the side dishes served.
What is the texture of the meat?
The meat is slow-cooked until it is fork-tender.