Cheese And Lamb: Perfect Pairing For A Delicious Dish

Lamb is a cornerstone of Greek and Middle Eastern cookery and is often served with a variety of spices and a cooling yogurt sauce. Lamb is also a celebrated dish in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic cultures, where it is a symbolic dish. Lamb is not commonly eaten in the United States, with the average American consuming less than a pound of lamb per year. However, lamb is a versatile meat that can be paired with several types of cheese.

Lamb and feta cheese

One option is to make lamb burgers with feta. This can be done by adding crumbled feta cheese to the lamb patty mix, or by topping the cooked lamb burger with feta. Feta can also be used as an ingredient in a sauce to accompany a lamb burger. For example, feta can be combined with yoghurt, garlic, and cucumber to make a tzatziki-style sauce.

Another option is to make lamb and feta quesadillas. To make these, ground lamb is cooked with oregano and garlic, and then placed on a flour tortilla with mozzarella and feta cheese. The tortilla is then folded in half and cooked until the cheese is melted.

Lamb and feta can also be combined in a grilled cheese sandwich. This can be made with leftover cooked lamb and feta, which are placed on buttered bread with spinach, red onion, and tzatziki, and then grilled until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Finally, lamb and feta can be combined in a more substantial dish such as a roast leg of lamb with a feta vinaigrette. To make the vinaigrette, feta is combined with lemon juice, red wine vinegar, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This is then served on top of the roasted lamb.

Lamb and ricotta

Lamb, Ricotta, and Rosemary Lasagne

For a unique twist on the classic lasagne, try this recipe by Michael Weldon, a MasterChef Australia Series 3 contestant. This dish combines lamb mince, ricotta, rosemary, and other ingredients to create a fresh and flavourful lasagne. It's a perfect blend of flavours and textures, with the ricotta adding a creamy dimension to the dish.

Lamb, Spinach, and Ricotta Burgers

These juicy burgers take on a Mediterranean flair with the addition of ricotta and spinach. Lamb mince is mixed with soft cheese, shaped into patties, and pan-fried to perfection. The burgers are then served in buns with a tzatziki-style sauce, caramelised onions, and fresh tomatoes, creating a delicious fusion of flavours.

Boned Leg of Lamb with Ricotta-and-Mint Stuffing

This recipe takes the classic combination of lamb and mint to the next level. The leg of lamb is stuffed with a mixture of ricotta, fresh mint, lemon zest, and breadcrumbs, resulting in a zingy and refreshing flavour. The lamb is then roasted to perfection, creating a mouth-watering main course that's perfect for a special occasion.

Lamb meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. The meatballs are typically seasoned with herbs and spices like coriander, oregano, and mint. When paired with ricotta, the creamy cheese enhances the savoury notes of the meatballs. They can be served as an appetiser, in a sandwich, or with a tangy tomato sauce.

Lamb, Ricotta, and Vegetable Bake

For a hearty and comforting dish, try a bake that combines lamb mince, ricotta, and vegetables. The lamb and ricotta provide a savoury base, while vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers add texture and freshness. This dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal while still enjoying the delicious combination of lamb and ricotta.

Lamb and goat's cheese

Another option is to make lamb and two-cheese quesadillas. This recipe calls for ground lamb, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, whole milk yoghurt, scallions, a cucumber, flour tortillas, mozzarella, and feta cheese. The lamb is cooked in a skillet with oregano and garlic, and then placed on the tortillas with the mozzarella, feta, and lamb. The tortillas are folded in half and cooked until browned and crisp, and the cheese is melted. The quesadillas are served with a cucumber-yoghurt sauce made by mixing yoghurt with garlic, scallions, and cucumber.

For a heartier meal, you can try pulled lamb sandwiches with goat cheese, arugula, and caramelized onions. This recipe uses lamb shanks, chicken broth, chilli powder, onions, olive oil, rustic bread or tortillas, goat cheese, arugula or spinach, and tomatoes or roasted red bell peppers. The lamb is cooked in a kettle with the broth, chilli powder, and one onion, and then shredded. The remaining onion is caramelized in a pan, and the bread is spread with goat cheese and stacked with the arugula, tomatoes, shredded lamb, and caramelized onions.

If you're looking for a more sophisticated dish, consider braised lamb shoulder with goat cheese gnocchi. This recipe combines braised lamb shoulder with gnocchi made from goat cheese. It's a perfect way to elevate your lamb and goat cheese creation.

Finally, if you're a fan of burgers, you can try an American lamb burger with harissa aioli. This recipe calls for ground lamb, goat cheese, freshly ground black pepper, harissa, garlic powder, and other seasonings. The lamb is cooked and then placed on a bun with the goat cheese and other toppings, creating a juicy and flavourful burger.

Lamb and mozzarella

Mozzarella also pairs well with lamb in a burger or slider format. For example, a Mediterranean lamb burger can include crumbled feta cheese, black pepper, and fresh parsley, creating a blend of flavours and textures. Similarly, lamb burger sliders can incorporate feta cheese, Herbes de Provence, and fresh coriander, resulting in a tasty and aromatic bite.

In addition to burgers and quesadillas, mozzarella can be used in a lamb grilled cheese sandwich. This sandwich typically includes leftover lamb, butter, havarti or mozzarella cheese, red onion, spinach, and tzatziki sauce. The combination of melted cheese, juicy lamb, and tangy tzatziki creates a delightful blend of flavours and textures.

Mozzarella's mild and creamy flavour makes it a versatile cheese that complements the savoury and gamy notes of lamb. Whether used in a quesadilla, burger, or sandwich, the combination of lamb and mozzarella is a tasty option that elevates the dining experience.

Lamb and halloumi

Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger

This burger brings together the best of both worlds. The lamb patty is seasoned with cumin and red onion, and grilled to perfection. The star of the show, however, is the halloumi, which is grilled until golden and slightly crispy. Layered with fresh basil leaves, sun-dried tomatoes, and lettuce, this burger is a flavour explosion. Don't forget to serve it on a toasted bun for that extra crunch!

Spiced Lamb Burgers with Halloumi and Cucumber Sauce

Take your taste buds on an adventure with these spiced lamb burgers. The lamb is seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and red onion, and cooked to a juicy perfection. The cucumber sauce, made with fresh cucumber, yogurt, and herbs, provides a refreshing contrast to the juicy burger. But the real star? The halloumi, of course! Grilled until slightly charred, it adds a unique salty twist to this flavourful burger.

For a lighter option, try a lamb and halloumi salad. Grill some halloumi slices and pair them with warm lamb slices, red peppers, courgettes, and dried apricots. The combination of salty halloumi and juicy lamb will take your salad to the next level. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette and you're good to go!

Fire up the grill for some mouth-watering lamb and halloumi skewers. Alternate cubes of lamb and halloumi on a skewer, brushing them with a flavourful marinade. Grill to perfection, and serve with a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip. The halloumi adds a unique salty twist to the juicy lamb, making these skewers irresistible.

For a quick and easy lunch, try a lamb and halloumi sandwich. Layer slices of juicy lamb and grilled halloumi on a crusty baguette, with fresh spinach leaves and sliced red onions. Spread some tangy tzatziki sauce on the bread for added flavour. This sandwich is the perfect blend of juicy lamb and salty, crispy halloumi.

So, there you have it! Lamb and halloumi is a dynamic duo that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether it's a juicy burger, a refreshing salad, or a mouth-watering sandwich, the combination of lamb and halloumi is sure to impress.

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