Moroccan Spiced Carrots with Ground Lamb

This is a great recipe to serve as a side dish for a small crowed or as a main course for 4 folks with a simple grain salad on the side (think rice or quinoa.) I love how quickly it comes together yet, it’s unique and not something we’ve had before or seen on a menu. This is a fork and knife kind of dish and each bite has a nice balance of sweet and spicy flavors with a lovely texture. Lamb is one of my favorite red meats and we’ve been getting some amazing lamb from our winter farmers market here in Hood River. It really makes a difference to find good quality when the meat is the star of the show. If you can’t get your hands on lamb you can sub in ground beef. This meal has quickly become a favorite around here and bonus, it’s on the table in less than 45 minutes. I hope you all enjoy this meal as much as we do. Serve with your favorite glass of house wine (white wine tastes best with this dish) and a good dinner date.

Ingredients:

Carrots

•     1 pound carrots, sliced in half lenthwise
•     1-2 tablespoons olive oil
•     1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
•     1/2 teaspoon paprika
•     1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•     salt and pepper

Lamb

•     1 tablespoon olive oil
•     1 bunch of scallions, minced (white and light green parts only, reserve the tops for garnish)
•     1 clove of garlic, minced
•     1 teaspoon ground corriander
•     1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
•     1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•     1 teaspoon fine sea salt
•     a few grinds black pepper
•     1 pound ground lamb

Yogurt Sauce

•     1 cup plain sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, or cow’s milk yogurt
•     1 clove of garlic, minced
•     2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
•     1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
•     2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425F. Toss the carrots with the oil, spices, salt and pepper. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until lightly browned and tender.  About 30 minutes. Toss the carrots halfway through cooking.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil to the pan, swirl to coat. Add the scallions, garlic, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lamb. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is cooked through, 5-7 minutes.
3. Prepare the yogurt sauce by whisking together all the ingredients in a bowl.
4. Spread a thin layer of the yogurt sauce onto four plates, top with the carrots and then top with a few spoonfuls of the lamb mixture. Sprinkle with minced scallion tops and serve.