When we think about the flavors of Croatia, one dish stands out: Croatian roasted lamb. This recipe showcases the tender, juicy meat that is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing rich flavors to meld beautifully with fresh herbs and vegetables.
During our travels, we experienced this meal firsthand and knew we had to share it with you.
Roasted lamb is a popular dish, often enjoyed during festive occasions or family gatherings. The unique Croatian twist involves cooking the lamb in a clay bell, which provides a wonderful depth of flavor.
Alongside this savory offering, you might also find delicious side dishes like pašticada or fresh seafood, making for a delightful dining experience.
Join us as we explore this traditional Croatian recipe, perfect for impressing your friends and family.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a memorable meal that brings a taste of Croatia right to your table.
About Us
We are John and Laurel Rodgers, an American couple with a passion for food and travel. Our adventures take us to many corners of the world, where we enjoy discovering new recipes and cooking styles.
During our travels, we explore local kitchens, visit konoba (traditional taverns), and take cooking classes. These experiences allow us to gather authentic recipes that we love to share with our readers.
We believe that food brings people together. Each dish tells a story, connecting us to cultures and traditions. Through our blog, we aim to share these stories and inspire others to try new recipes at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
We believe this Croatian roasted lamb recipe is a must-try for everyone who enjoys flavorful meals. Here’s why:
- Tender Meat: The slow cooking method makes the lamb super tender and juicy. You’ll find it falls right off the bone!
- Flavorful Ingredients: Using fresh herbs and garlic gives the meat a delicious Mediterranean taste. It’s simple yet packed with flavor.
- All-in-One Meal: This dish includes lamb, potatoes, and vegetables, making it a complete main course. No need to make extra sides unless you want to!
- Easy to Prepare: While the cooking takes time, the prep is straightforward. We love recipes that let us set it and forget it.
- Great for Gatherings: This recipe is perfect when we have family or friends over. It’s impressive and feeds a crowd without much effort.
Cooking this dish reminds us of our travels and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. We think you’ll love it just as much as we do!
Give it a try, and enjoy the flavors of Croatia right from your kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The Croatian roasted lamb recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses fresh, young meat, which enhances the flavor and tenderness. The combination of Mediterranean herbs adds a unique touch, giving it a distinct and delicious taste.
We love how this recipe is traditionally prepared using a clay pot called a “peka.” This method allows the lamb to cook slowly under a dome. The result is succulent meat that is infused with flavors from the herbs and the natural juices.
Key Features:
- Simple Ingredients: The dish mainly uses lamb, potatoes, and vegetables. This straightforward approach lets the quality of the ingredients shine.
- Slow Cooking Method: Cooking under hot coals allows the lamb fat to melt and flavor the potatoes. This method ensures everything is perfectly cooked.
- Versatility: While lamb is a classic choice, you can also use veal or a mix of both, allowing for personal preference in taste.
In Croatian cuisine, this recipe embodies tradition. It brings families together, often enjoyed during special occasions. Sharing this meal gives us a deeper understanding of Croatian culture and its rich culinary history.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make Croatian roasted lamb, we need some specific equipment. Using the right tools will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Key Equipment:
- Peka: This is a traditional dish used to cook lamb in Croatia. It is a large, shallow, round pan, often made of clay. It helps to create a unique flavor by sealing in moisture.
- Casserole Dish: If a peka is not available, a deep casserole dish can work well. It should be large enough to fit all the ingredients comfortably.
- Marinade Bowl: We need a bowl to mix our olive oil, herbs, and spices for marinating the lamb. Using a whisk or a fork helps combine everything nicely.
- Meat Thermometer: This tool is important to check if the lamb is cooked thoroughly. It ensures that our meal is both safe and delicious.
- Basting Brush: We can use this to apply oil and marinade to the lamb during cooking. This helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.
With these tools, we will be ready to create a tasty roasted lamb dish. Each piece of equipment serves a purpose, ensuring our culinary adventure turns out great!
Cooking Instructions
To create a delicious Croatian roasted lamb, we’ll need a few key ingredients. Gather lamb shoulder or leg of lamb, garlic, onion, carrots, waxy potatoes, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
- Marinade: In a bowl, combine red wine, white wine, lemon juice, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Add chopped onions and carrots to the mixture. Let the lamb soak in this marinade for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Prepare the Lamb: Preheat the oven to 200°C (425°F). Remove the lamb from the marinade and pat it dry. Season with more salt, pepper, and sprinkle with chopped sage and oregano.
- Cooking setup: In a large roasting pan, layer sliced potatoes, carrots, and eggplant at the bottom. Place the seasoned lamb on top. Add a few cloves of garlic and cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Cook: Cover the pan with foil and roast for 1.5 to 2 hours. Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to let the lamb brown.
- Check doneness: The lamb should be tender and juicy. If you prefer, baste it occasionally with any juices in the pan.
Let it rest before carving. Enjoy your meal with family and friends!
Cooking Tips
When making Croatian roasted lamb, attention to detail matters. Here are some tips to ensure a delicious meal.
1. Choose the Right Cut
For the best flavor, we recommend using lamb shoulder.
It’s tender and juicy when cooked slowly.
2. Seasoning
Keep it simple. Use garlic, salt, and a few herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Avoid heavy spices to let the lamb’s natural flavor shine.
3. Cooking Method
We love using a clay pot or a bell jar.
This method traps moisture, making the lamb tender. If you don’t have one, a covered roasting pan works too.
4. Cooking Temperature
Roast the lamb at a low temperature, about 325°F.
This helps break down the meat and keeps it juicy.
5. Potatoes and Vegetables
Place potatoes and root vegetables in the same pot.
They will soak up the lamb’s flavor as they cook.
6. Resting Time
Don’t skip the resting time!
Let the lamb sit for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.
7. Pairing
Serve with a glass of red wine, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to enhance the meal.
Ingredients Needed for the Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe
lamb meat
potatoes
tomatoes
apple
large onions
rosemary leaves
sea salt
white wine
sunflower oil
Instructions For Preparing the Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe
Prepare and Assemble
Cut potatoes, tomatoes, onion, and apple in half, then place everything in a deep cast iron skillet. Season with rosemary leaves, sea salt, and oil.
Cook and Rotate
Cover the skillet with hot coals on top and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours. After 45 minutes, uncover and turn the meat, then re-cover with hot coals and continue baking.
Serve
The dish is ready when the meat is golden, potatoes are crispy, and vegetables are soft. Enjoy!
FAQs For the Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe
Question: What cut of meat is best for the Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe?
A: The Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe is best made with a whole lamb or lamb leg, shoulder, or ribs. These cuts provide rich flavor and become tender when roasted slowly.
Question: What seasonings are used in the Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe?
A: The Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. Some variations include lemon juice or white wine for added depth.
Question: How long should I roast the meat in the Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe?
A: The Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe requires slow roasting at 350°F for about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the cut, to ensure the meat remains juicy and tender.
Question: What side dishes pair well with the Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe?
A: The Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe is often served with roasted potatoes, blitva (Swiss chard with potatoes), or fresh bread. A side of grilled vegetables also complements the dish well.
Question: How do I keep the meat juicy in the Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe?
A: To keep the lamb juicy in the Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe, baste it regularly with its own juices and cover it with foil for part of the cooking time to retain moisture.
Croatian Roasted Lamb Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 pounds lamb
- 2 pounds potatoes
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 apple
- 2 onions large
- rosemary leaves
- sea salt to taste
- 1 cup white wine or water
- 5 tbsp sunflower oil
Instructions
Prepare and Assemble
- Cut potatoes, tomatoes, onion, and apple in half, then place everything in a deep cast iron skillet. Season with rosemary leaves, sea salt, and oil.
Cook and Rotate
- Cover the skillet with hot coals on top and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours. After 45 minutes, uncover and turn the meat, then re-cover with hot coals and continue baking.
Serve
- The dish is ready when the meat is golden, potatoes are crispy, and vegetables are soft. Enjoy!
1 comment
The lamb roasted beautifully, developing a crispy, golden crust while staying juicy inside. The simple seasoning really let the natural flavors shine. Served with roasted potatoes, it was a true crowd-pleaser. My guests loved the smoky aroma and how every bite was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.