Lamb in Milk Montenegro’s Tradition

Get ready with me to try the traditional Montenegrin dish, Lamb in Milk. Don’t let the name sway you; the combination of tender, juicy lamb and creamy milk is irresistible. It’s no wonder it’s a national staple. The added veggies make it hearty and rustic. This tender lamb and creamy sauce combo is unlike anything you’ve tried. If you are a fan of lamb, check out our braised lamb recipe. Also, Our Mediterranean Easy Lamb Chop With Rosemary and Garlic  Recipe. and my slow-roasted lamb shoulder recipe that fit for a king! 

What is Lamb in Milk?

 Lamb in Milk Montenegro’s traditional dish from the Balkan region of Southeast Europe, specifically from Montenegro. It is a hearty, flavorful dish passed down through generations of Montenegrin families and is a staple of the country’s cuisine. Slow-cooking chunks make the lamb dish in whole milk, potatoes, garlic, and spices. As the lamb cooks, it becomes incredibly tender and juicy, and the milk creates a creamy, flavorful sauce perfect for sopping up with crusty bread.

An overview of Balkan cuisine.

Meat, particularly pork, beef, and lamb, is a staple of Balkan cuisine. (You might have picked that up from this recipe.) Grilled meats, sausages, and stews are familiar dishes, often served with bread or rice. Seafood is also a popular choice in coastal areas. Vegetables also play an important role in Balkan cuisine, often served as side dishes or as the main ingredient in salads. Cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are common vegetables, often grilled or roasted. Balkan cuisine also features a variety of sweet desserts, usually made with nuts, honey, and phyllo dough. Baklava, a sweet pastry made with many layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey syrup, is a popular dessert throughout the region.

What to serve with Lamb in Milk?

Montenegrin Lamb in Milk is a great dish to serve at a dinner party or special occasion, as it is impressive and flavorful yet relatively easy to prepare. Certainly! Montenegrin Lamb in Milk pairs well with various side dishes, depending on your preferences. Here are a few options: Polenta: This classic Italian side dish is made from boiled cornmeal and has a creamy, porridge-like consistency. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the rich and creamy flavors of Lamb in Milk. Vermicelli Rice: This is a Middle Eastern dish made by cooking vermicelli noodles with rice. The noodles add a nice texture and flavor to the rice, and the dish pairs well with the tender lamb in milk. Yemeni Style Rice: This fragrant rice dish from Yemen is flavored with cumin and cardamom. The savory and aromatic flavors of the rice complement the tender lamb in milk nicely.

Ultimately, the choice of side dishes will depend on your personal taste and the occasion. You can also serve the Lamb in Milk with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

What type of meat do I use?

While Montenegrin Lamb in Milk is traditionally made with lamb shoulder or leg, it can also be made with other cuts of lamb or even with beef. Some variations of the dish include adding different vegetables, making it a complete meal in one pot. I used grass-fed lamb shoulder cut for this particular recipe into one-inch thick pieces.

How do I cook Lamb in Milk?

If you’re wondering how to cook lamb in milk, our Montenegrin Slow-Cooked Lamb in Milk recipe is a great place to start. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for any occasion and can be served over rice, noodles, polenta, or bread. To prepare this dish, brown the lamb pieces before simmering them in milk for a few hours until the meat is tender and infused with creamy and savory flavors. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the lamb pieces, with one-inch-thick pieces taking up to an hour and a half to cook on a simmer. Don’t miss out on indulging in the authentic flavors of Montenegro with our delicious Lamb in Milk recipe.