Greek Easter Roast Lamb with Orzo

Ingredients and Weight:

• Lamb: 5 pounds (about 2.3 kg)
• Orzo: 1 pound (about 450 g)
• Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
• Rosemary: 2 tablespoons (dried) or a sprig of fresh rosemary
• Oregano: 1 tablespoon (dried) or a sprig of fresh oregano
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
• Fresh vegetables: potatoes, carrots, and onions, for roasting (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 3-4 hours (depending on the weight of the lamb)

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the lamb by trimming any excess fat and seasoning it with salt, pepper, rosemary, and oregano.
3. Place the lamb in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil. Add fresh vegetables if using.
4. Roast the lamb for about 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium-rare.
5. While the lamb is roasting, prepare the orzo by boiling it in salted water until tender.
6. Drain the orzo and add lemon juice, remaining olive oil, and additional seasoning if needed.
7. When the lamb is ready, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving.
8. Serve the roasted lamb with the prepared orzo on the side.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving)

• Calories: Approx. 600-700 calories per serving (depending on the amount of lamb and orzo)
• Fat: Approx. 30-40 grams of fat (mostly from the lamb)
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 50 grams of carbohydrates (from the orzo)
• Protein: Approx. 40-50 grams of protein (from the lamb)

Dish Characteristics:

• The dish combines the flavors of Greek traditional cooking with American taste preferences.
• The lamb is roasted to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
• The orzo provides a delicious and hearty side dish that pairs well with the lamb.

User Comments:

1. "The lamb was so tender and flavorful! The orzo was a perfect match."
2. "I love the combination of Greek and American flavors in this dish."
3. "This dish was a hit at my Easter celebration! Everyone loved it."
4. "The lemon juice in the orzo added a nice tangy flavor."
5. "I would definitely make this dish again."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• When roasting the lamb, make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature readings and avoid overcooking.
• Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
• If you prefer a more traditional Greek flavor, you can add tzatziki sauce or Greek yogurt as a dipping sauce for the lamb and orzo.