Lamb and Orzo Bake
A Greek-style baked orzo dish with tender braised lamb, tomatoes, warm spices, feta, lemon, and parsley.
Instructions
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Step 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare the lamb and vegetables on a cutting board with a chef's knife.
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Step 2
Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven over high heat. Brown the lamb in batches, transferring each batch to a clean plate once deeply colored.
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Step 3
Reduce to medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook until softened.
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Step 4
Add the garlic, tomato paste, cinnamon, and oregano. Stir until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the mixture is fragrant.
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Step 5
Return the lamb to the pot. Add the tomatoes, 3 cup (700 ml) beef stock, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper; bring to a simmer over high heat, then cover.
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Step 6
Transfer the covered pot to the oven and bake at 180°C until the lamb is tender and reaches at least 63°C internally.
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Step 7
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the orzo and the remaining ¾ cup (200 ml) beef stock, cover, and bake at 180°C.
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Step 8
Stir the orzo, then bake uncovered at 180°C until tender and surrounded by a thick sauce.
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Step 9
Rest the bake briefly, then fold in the lemon juice and half of the feta and parsley. Scatter the remaining feta and parsley over the top before serving.