Name: Savory Lamb au Gratin: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: Lamb shoulder, boneless (1.5 lbs); Salt (1 tsp); Black pepper (1/2 tsp); Olive oil (2 tbsp); Onion, finely chopped (1); Garlic cloves, minced (3); All-purpose flour (2 tbsp); Beef stock (1 cup); Dijon mustard (1 tbsp); Fresh rosemary, chopped (1 tbsp); Fresh thyme, chopped (1 tbsp); Heavy cream (1 cup); Gruyere cheese, shredded (1 cup); Breadcrumbs (1 cup)

Lamb au Gratin is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly combines tender lamb, creamy cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs. This recipe takes the traditional au gratin concept and adds a twist of savory lamb, elevating it to a whole new level of deliciousness. With a golden brown cheesy crust and a succulent lamb filling, this dish is sure to please even the most discerning palate. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving an indulgent meal, this Lamb au Gratin recipe will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

Lamb shoulder, boneless (1.5 lbs)
Salt (1 tsp)
Black pepper (1/2 tsp)
Olive oil (2 tbsp)
Onion, finely chopped (1)
Garlic cloves, minced (3)
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp)
Beef stock (1 cup)
Dijon mustard (1 tbsp)
Fresh rosemary, chopped (1 tbsp)
Fresh thyme, chopped (1 tbsp)
Heavy cream (1 cup)
Gruyere cheese, shredded (1 cup)
Breadcrumbs (1 cup)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the lamb shoulder with salt and black pepper on both sides.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the lamb shoulder until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
Remove the lamb from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to combine.
Slowly pour in the beef stock while continuously stirring, to prevent lumps from forming.
Add the Dijon mustard, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme. Stir to incorporate the flavors.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
Return the lamb shoulder to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese evenly over the lamb.
In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil, until well coated.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the Gruyere cheese.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the lamb is cooked to your desired doneness.
Allow the lamb au gratin to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Slice the lamb into portions and serve it hot, with the creamy sauce and cheesy breadcrumb crust complementing the tender meat.
Enjoy your delectable Lamb au Gratin!

Interesting Facts

Lamb au Gratin is a comforting and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a centerpiece for a special occasion.

This dish originated in France, where potatoes were traditionally used instead of lamb. The term 'gratin' refers to the golden crust that forms on top during baking.

The combination of lamb, cheese, and breadcrumbs creates a heavenly marriage of flavors and textures. The richness of the lamb pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and the crispy topping.

If you prefer a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and opt for a low-fat cheese without compromising the taste.

Lamb au Gratin can be served alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Leftovers of this dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for another satisfying meal.