Henan cuisine, known for its diverse flavors and hearty dishes, reflects the rich agricultural heritage of the region. One of its standout dishes is scallion braised lamb, an aromatic combination that highlights the natural sweetness of lamb, balanced by the pungency of fresh scallions. This dish is not only delicious but also relatively straightforward to prepare at home. Here’s how to create this comforting meal.
Ingredients:
500g lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks
45 pieces of scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
34 tablespoons of vegetable oil
23 cloves of garlic, minced
1inch piece of ginger, sliced
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of cooking wine (Shaoxing wine preferred)
1 tablespoon of sugar
Salt to taste
Water or broth (enough to cover the lamb)
Optional: chili peppers for a bit of spice
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lamb:
Begin by rinsing the lamb chunks under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a good sear later on.
2. Sear the Lamb:
Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over mediumhigh heat. Once hot, add the lamb pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear until browned on all sides, about 57 minutes. Remove the lamb and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if necessary. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced ginger, and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Return the seared lamb to the pot and add chopped scallion whites, soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the lamb in the sauce and aromatics.
5. Braise the Lamb:
Pour enough water or broth into the pot to cover the lamb. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let the lamb braise for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Check occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
6. Add Scallion Greens:
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped scallion greens. This will retain their vibrant color and fresh flavor while still having the opportunity to infuse the dish.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or sugar as desired. If you prefer a spicy kick, you can also toss in some chopped chili peppers during the last stages of cooking.
8. Serve:
Ladle the scallion braised lamb into bowls with a generous scoop of the savory broth. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or flatbreads to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Cooking Tips:
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the lamb in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of cooking wine for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
Leftovers, if you have any, can taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
Enjoy the warm, fragrant notes of Henan cuisine with this simple yet satisfying dish of scallion braised lamb, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.