Lamb in Milk Montenegro’s Tradition

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Lamb in Milk- Montenegro Tradition

I was initially skeptical about the  Lamb in Milk Montenegro’s traditional Recipe. After all, it’s not often you come across a recipe that calls for the meat to be cooked in milk. But as soon as I tried this traditional dish from Montenegro, I was hooked on its rich and comforting flavors. I was skeptical. I have used milk in recipes with meat Jordan. We have a similarly traditional dish called Mansaf. It’s not necessarily lamb cooked in milk but rather in sheep’s milk that has been salted and dried. It has an amazing flavor! But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with this dish. The lamb came out so tender, falling off the bone. And milk turned into a sweet, creamy sauce that was so rich. I think the milk was definitely the secret ingredient.

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 are 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.

Ingredients for the Lamb in Milk Recipe

  • Lamb Shoulder: Lamb’s shoulder offers a tender, succulent, and slightly gamy flavor. It’s the dish’s star, providing a rich and meaty taste complemented by the milk and herbs.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a fruity and slightly peppery note, providing a rich and smooth base for cooking the lamb and vegetables.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a pungent, savory, and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall depth.
  • Potatoes: New gold potatoes contribute a creamy, starchy texture with a mild, earthy flavor. They absorb the flavors of the lamb and milk, creating a comforting element in the dish.
  • Carrots: Carrots offer natural sweetness and a pleasant earthy flavor, balancing the richness of the lamb and milk with their vibrant color and texture.
  • Parsnips: Parsnips add a subtly sweet and nutty taste with a hint of spiciness. They bring depth and complexity to the dish.
  • Whole Milk: Whole milk provides creaminess, richness, and a slightly sweet dairy flavor that melds beautifully with the lamb and herbs.
  • Rosemary Sprigs: Rosemary lends an aromatic, woodsy, and slightly pine-like flavor, infusing the dish with a fragrant herbal note.
  • Bay Leaves: Bay leaves offer a subtle, earthy, and slightly minty flavor, enhancing the overall aroma and taste.
  • Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances the flavors and balances the dish, while black pepper provides a touch of spiciness and warmth.

Combining these ingredients results in a hearty, comforting dish with a well-balanced flavor profile. The lamb becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers in milk, and adding herbs and vegetables creates a harmonious blend of savory, creamy, and aromatic notes.

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 essential role in Balkan cuisine, often served as side dishes or as the main ingredient in salads. Cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are commonly grilled or roasted vegetables. 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.

How to Make Lamb in Milk Montenegro’s Tradition

Preparation

1.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add garlic paste and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Increase the heat to high and add the lamb pieces. Cook until browned on all sides, then remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.

Mark as complete
2.
Add carrot and parsnip pieces to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.

Mark as complete
3.
Pour in 1/2 cup of milk and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for 2 minutes to deglaze the pot
Mark as complete
4.
Add the remaining milk, rosemary, seared lamb (and its juices), and potato pieces to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook until the lamb is tender, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Mark as complete
5.
Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley. Enjoy
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 ½ lbs lamb shoulder (cut in medium size)
6 small new gold potatoes (peeled and cut into large pieces)
2 carrots (peeled, cut into large pieces)
3 parsnips (peeled and cut into large pieces)
4 cups whole milk
2 rosemary sprigs
3 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add garlic paste and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Increase the heat to high and add the lamb pieces. Cook until browned on all sides, then remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.
2
Add carrot and parsnip pieces to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
3
Pour in 1/2 cup of milk and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for 2 minutes to deglaze the pot
4
Add the remaining milk, rosemary, seared lamb (and its juices), and potato pieces to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook until the lamb is tender, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
5
Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley. Enjoy

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Storage Instructions:

To reheat leftovers, warm the lamb and vegetable stew in a pot on the stove over medium heat until heated. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Rana’s Notes!

To cook a 2 1/2 lb lamb stew, you will need a pot that can hold at least 6-8 quarts (5.6-7.6 liters) in size. This will allow enough space for the lamb, vegetables, and liquid to cook evenly and without overflowing. It's always better to use a larger pot than a smaller one to prevent any potential mess or uneven cooking

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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