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Mediterranean Ground Lamb with Herbs

This quick Mediterranean ground lamb with herbs is richly spiced and ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1.5 pounds ground lamb
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 cup fresh mint chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Equipment

  • Large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
  • Wooden spoon or meat spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Garlic mincer or microplane
  • Colander or fine-mesh strainer

Method
 

  1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and warm for 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat until shimmering.
  2. Add 1.5 pounds of ground lamb and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink and browned.
  3. Tilt the pan and spoon off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Transfer the meat to a colander to drain briefly, then return to the skillet.
  4. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly caramelized.
  6. Pour in 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes with juice and add 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin, 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine.
  7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in 0.25 cup chopped fresh mint, 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Notes

Flavors improve when stored overnight in the refrigerator; freezes well for up to 3 months.