When it comes to serving lamb, there are numerous mouthwatering side dishes you can pair it with; but for something truly outstanding, try one or more of these rice recipes.
These recipes are quick and easy to prepare – you won’t find simpler or tastier meals anywhere! Made in mere minutes, they are sure to become instant classics in no time!
1. Rosemary-Roasted Red Pepper Rice
Roasting can add an exquisite dimension to dishes, and this rosemary-roasted red pepper rice is no exception. Packed full of the flavors from garlic, rosemary and olive oil this dish makes an impressive centerpiece to any dinner table!
This dish is quick and simple to prepare, so you’ll soon have a delectable dinner on the table in no time! Prep ahead of time and reheat before serving!
For this recipe, you will need: a leg of lamb, fresh rosemary, garlic cloves, salt and pepper as well as olive oil. Furthermore, you’ll require a roasting pan as well as a meat thermometer in order to ensure that the lamb is properly cooked.
This recipe’s best quality lies in its versatility; you can use it with any type of meat: steak, chicken, or fish!
Add a dash of spice to the marinade for extra flair – just be wary not to overdo it or the flavor will become bland!
This recipe for lamb is so straightforward that you’ll have tasty lamb on the table quickly! The combination of herbs and spices in this dish makes it irresistibly flavorful; guests will want more!
Roasted red peppers add delicious flavor and create a stunning, caramelized aesthetic, making this an excellent accompaniment for lamb or beef dishes alike as well as making for a lovely spring/summer dinner table setting.
Rosemary is a beloved herb in many cultures, making it particularly suitable for dishes featuring potatoes or other veggies that need an intense burst of flavor.
To prepare this dish, you’ll need: a leg or shoulder of lamb, fresh rosemary, garlic cloves, salt and pepper as well as olive oil for roasting. In addition, you will require both a roasting pan and rack to ensure proper lamb cooking.
After seasoning the lamb, place it on the rack and allow it to marinate at room temperature for at least an hour before placing into the oven. This allows its flavor to fully penetrate while creating more even cooking conditions.
2. Dill-Pistachio Pilaf
An aromatic dill and pistachio pilaf is an ideal side dish to any lamb dish, and also works well when serving beef or pork dishes. Easy and delicious to make, this fragrant pilaf will soon become one of your family’s favorites!
Lemon juice and zest are key elements to this dish, providing both zippy complexity and brightening the flavors, while the zest adds subtle tangy notes that balance out its overall flavors.
Use any long-grain variety, but basmati or jasmine are my recommendations for optimal results. Choose smooth varieties without overly sticky grains.
As part of your cooking process, you can add some additional herbs to enhance its flavor – dill, parsley and sage are great choices; basil can also make for an awesome touch!
Once the rice has finished cooking, remove it from the heat. Covering it with a sheet of paper towel can help to lower humidity levels in your pot and ensure an airier pilaf texture.
Mixing spices into your rice dish will bring out its full aromatic potential. A common blend in Indian pilaf is cinnamon, allspice and raisins – but feel free to experiment with different spice combinations; adding in more or less depending on your preferences is allowed!
Add dried fruit and nuts when serving it – I like using pine nuts and pistachios, but any type of nut would do! For an alternative vegan version, replace ghee with olive oil when toasting nuts for toasting purposes.
This dish can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days before it needs to be refrigerated and eaten. Plus, it freezes well and reheats easily!
Before serving, it’s essential that the grains have enough time to fully absorb all of the liquid used for preparation, producing fluffy and delicious results. This ensures the best texture possible!
3. Middle Eastern Orzo Pilaf
Orzo Pilaf is a delicious and hearty side dish, ideal for pairing with any main course, including vegetarian alternatives when looking for something different from chicken or pork.
This unique pilaf is created using both orzo and rice as its core components, giving it a special twist. Orzo is an easy pasta that cooks quickly – perfect for this recipe – while browning it in butter imparts a rich nutty aroma that goes great with rice.
Rice is cooked in stock to produce tender and fluffy grains that add depth of flavor and texture. Fresh herbs add even more flare, providing additional flavors and textures that enhance this dish if it needs to be stored away for later. Ideally served warm but can also be stored up to three months in the fridge if that suits you better!
To create this pilaf, combine butter and oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until both are melted, then saute orzo and onion until softened, about three minutes. Next add garlic for one more minute before stirring in rice.
Once the rice has become golden-brown in color, remove from the heat and stir in 2 cups of stock. Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat and simmering until all liquid has been absorbed by the grains. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Orzo pilaf is an easy dish to prepare ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days, then when ready for serving simply fluff up with a fork and add any desired toppings.
Based on your tastes and desired toppings, this pilaf can be customized with fresh or dried herbs and fruit of your choosing – such as dried apricots, feta cheese and parsley are great additions. Apricots add chewy texture with their slightly tart flavour while the salty goodness from feta adds another dimension that brings this dish alive!
Middle Eastern Orzo Pilaf is an easy and delicious side dish to add to any dinner table, making the perfect complement for grilled meats, stewed dishes or any dish where plain rice would usually be used as an ingredient.
4. Lemon-Thyme Rice
Lemon-thyme rice is an easy yet delectable side dish that pairs beautifully with roast meats, fish, or poultry. Quick to prepare and requiring minimal ingredients – lemon-thyme rice makes an impressive side dish!
First, melt half a stick of butter over medium heat in a pot before stirring in long-grain rice. When brown, add broth, lemon juice and thyme for 20 minutes or so until all liquid has been absorbed by the grains and they become tender before taking off of the stove and being fluffed with a fork before serving.
This simple recipe is an absolute must, and can be made with any type of rice – although basmati is particularly recommended as its rich, nutty flavor creates fluffy results in no time!
Additionally, it’s an excellent source of iron and B-complex vitamins. Furthermore, its antioxidant properties may help fight cell damage that could otherwise lead to serious health conditions like cancer.
Thyme has long been used as an herbal remedy, prescribed as a respiratory aid and used to strengthen lungs and expel phlegm from them. Furthermore, its main component thymol can reduce discomfort of sore throats.
Peppercorns are widely considered one of the best herbs for adding flavor to meats and vegetables, making them a necessary ingredient in any kitchen. Plus, their versatility means a few sprigs can easily be thrown into marinades, stews, soups, sauces and stuffing recipes to add delicate citrusy hints!
Lemon thyme, part of the mint family, shares many of its characteristics with regular thyme; however, its zesty lemon fragrance helps temper its bitter taste. Perfect as either an individual herb or combined with other common ones such as rosemary and sage for use as part of a blend.
Fresh lemon thyme can be found at many local farmer’s markets, grocery stores and specialty shops. This drought-tolerant plant does well in certain parts of the world and makes an attractive addition to gardens worldwide.