Mediterranean Diet Cumin Lamb

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Mediterranean Diet Cumin Lamb recipe, a flavorful fusion of bold spices and fresh herbs. Tender cubes of lamb shoulder are infused with the warmth of ground cumin, garlic, and lemon zest, then seared to perfection and slow-cooked with caramelized red onions for a melt-in-your-mouth finish. The dish is paired with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce made from fat-free Greek yogurt, offering a creamy, tangy complement to the savory richness of the lamb. Ready in just an hour, this aromatic recipe is perfect for anyone seeking Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that’s both healthy and indulgent. Serve it with a side of fluffy couscous or a crisp cucumber-tomato salad for a complete meal bursting with vibrant flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds lamb shoulder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium red onion
• 0.5 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mint leaves

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the lamb shoulder. Trim any excess fat and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, minced garlic (use a garlic press for convenience), chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients well to form a herb-spice mix.

Step 3

Pour half of the olive oil over the lamb cubes, then add the herb-spice mix. Using your hands, massage the mix thoroughly into the lamb to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Step 4

Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. As the oil shimmers, add the lamb cubes in a single layer (do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 5

Once all lamb cubes are browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

Step 6

In the same pan, add the sliced red onion and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This will also deglaze the pan, incorporating the caramelized flavors left by the lamb.

Step 7

Return the browned lamb cubes to the pan with the onions. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 30 minutes or until the lamb is tender.

Step 8

While the lamb is cooking, prepare the mint yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and finely chopped mint leaves. Stir well and set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Step 9

Once the lamb is done, serve it hot, drizzling a spoonful of mint yogurt sauce over each serving or on the side, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.

Step 10

Pair this cumin lamb with a side of couscous or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad for a complete Mediterranean dining experience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1023.6 grams (1023.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2491

Total Fat 189.50g	243%
Saturated Fat 70.80g	354%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 689mg	230%
Sodium 5317mg	231%
Total Carbohydrate 30.00g	11%
Dietary Fiber 5.80g	21%
Total Sugars 10.90g
Protein 163.30g	327%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 510mg	39%
Iron 22mg	124%
Potassium 2619mg	56%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.8%

Protein: 26.4%

Carbs: 4.8%