It is an authentic Bulgarian dish that combines tender, oven-baked lamb with perfectly cooked rice, spinach, and flavorful fresh herbs, creating a comforting and hearty meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients (Serves four people)
- 1.5 kg lamb (shoulder or leg)
- 300-350 grams rice (about 1½ cups)
- 400-600 grams of fresh spinach
- 1 bunch fresh green garlic (around 4-5 stalks)
- 1 or 2 bunches of fresh green onions (around 4-5 stalks)
- 1 bunch fresh mint (джоджен)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 liter lamb stock or water (4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon Vegeta (optional)
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for lamb baking.
Step 2: Season the Lamb
Rub the lamb with olive oil or melted butter—season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place the lamb in a large ovenproof dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Spinach and Rice
Wash the spinach thoroughly and chop it roughly. Clean and chop the green onions and green garlic. Mix the rice with the spinach, green onions, and green garlic in a separate bowl.
Step 4: Cook the Lamb
Place the seasoned lamb in the oven, roast for about 1 hour, and uncovered. Check on it occasionally, basting the lamb with its juices to keep it moist.
Step 5: Add the Spinach and Rice Mixture
After 1 hour, remove the lamb from the oven. Scatter the spinach, rice, green onion, and green garlic mixture around the lamb in the baking dish. Pour the lamb stock (or water) over the rice mixture and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently to mix everything.
Step 6: Continue Baking
Cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven. Lower the heat to 160°C (320°F) and bake for another 1 hour, or until the lamb is tender and the rice has absorbed the liquid.
Step 7: Final Touch
Once the lamb is tender and the rice is cooked, remove the foil and bake for 10-15 minutes to allow the lamb to brown nicely. When done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Extra Flavor: Add a few cloves of garlic to the roasting pan for an extra punch of flavor.
- Herb Variations: If mint isn’t available, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or dill for a different flavor profile.
- Chef’s Recommendation: Drizzle a little lemon juice over the lamb and rice before serving to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is often served with fresh green garlic on the side for a refreshing crunch. Pair it with a light salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. A side of crusty bread can also be perfect for soaking up the juices from the lamb and rice.
Wine Matching
This rich, savory lamb dish pairs beautifully with a full-bodied red wine. A Bulgarian Mavrud, Melnik-55, or Merlot would complement the lamb’s flavors and balance the earthy notes of the spinach and rice.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or stovetop with a little stock or water to avoid drying out the rice.
- Freezing: Lamb and rice can be frozen separately for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is dairy-free if olive oil is used instead of butter.
About Lamb (Агнешко)
Lamb, or агнешко in Bulgarian, is a beloved ingredient in Bulgarian cuisine, especially during the springtime when it is commonly served during Easter celebrations. Traditionally, lamb is roasted with fresh spring vegetables and herbs like spinach and mint, creating a hearty and fresh dish. The combination of lamb with rice and greens reflects the rustic and seasonal nature of Bulgarian cooking.
Cultural Context
Lamb is a traditional meat in Bulgaria, often associated with essential celebrations such as Easter and St. George’s Day. This dish’s use of spinach and fresh green garlic highlights the emphasis on seasonal, locally grown ingredients common in Bulgarian cuisine. The slow-roasting method allows the lamb to become tender and flavorful, while the rice absorbs all the beautiful juices from the meat and the greens, making it a quintessentially Bulgarian comfort dish.
