Tyrion’s Leg of Lamb | Game of Thrones Recipes
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“‘You want to eat?’ Mord asked, glowering. He held a plate of boiled beans in his thick hand. Tyrion Lannister was starving, but he refused to let this brute see him cringe. ‘A leg of lamb would be delightful,’ he said, from the heap of soiled straw in the corner of his cell. ‘Perhaps a dish of peas and onions, some freshly baked bread with butter, and a flagon of mulled wine to wash it down. Or beer, if that’s easier. I try not to be overly particular.’ ‘It’s beans,’ Mord said. ‘Here.'”
Game of Thrones, Chapter 38: Tyrion
Welcome, noble cooks and avid Game of Thrones fans!
Today, we embark on a culinary adventure fit for the Hand of the King himself. In this recipe, we pay homage to the intricate world of Westeros, where alliances are forged, battles are waged, and feasts are held in the grand halls of castles.
Just as Tyrion Lannister navigated his way through the political landscape, we too shall navigate our way through the flavors and aromas of a truly regal dish that is referenced in the Game of Thrones books.
Prepare to channel your inner Maester in the kitchen as we present a recipe inspired by the epic tale. Within this dish, the flavors of House Bolton, known for their sinister intrigue, mingle with the exotic tastes of Pentos. It’s a culinary fusion that brings together the essence of two distinct realms, just as the Game of Thrones series brought together characters from all corners of the Seven Kingdoms.
Whether you’re preparing for a grand feast or simply indulging in your own personal victory, this recipe promises to transport you to the realms of Westeros. As the saying goes, “A Lannister always pays his debts,” and by savoring this dish, you’ll be repaid with an unforgettable Westerosi experience.
Here is a meal fit for the Hand of the King. In fact, two other characters are represented in this dish, and you can find their recipes here:
A Lannister always pays his debts
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey worthy of the noble houses of Westeros with this regal recipe inspired by Game of Thrones. In this dish, a majestic leg of lamb, stripped of its bone and butterflyed like a dragon’s wings, becomes a canvas for an epic flavor battle. As you sauté the spinach and garlic, envision the intrigue and political maneuvering of the Seven Kingdoms, for every bite carries the essence of power and survival.
- leg of lamb, bone removed and butterflied: The star of the dish, the leg of lamb provides a rich and succulent meat base, perfect for showcasing the flavors of the other ingredients.
- spinach: adds a vibrant green color and a mild earthy taste to the dish, providing a nutritious and flavorful component.
- garlic: brings its characteristic aromatic and savory notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- olive oil: serves as a cooking medium for sautéing the spinach and garlic, adding a touch of richness and assisting in the flavor infusion.
- golden raisins: lend a subtle sweetness and slight tang, providing a delightful contrast to the savory elements of the dish.
- pine nuts: contribute a delicate crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall texture and taste.
- basil: adds a refreshing herbal note, imparting a hint of brightness to the dish.
- goat cheese: brings its creamy and tangy characteristics, providing a luscious and slightly tangy element to balance the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste, allowing the flavors to shine through.
“You lost a hand, not a stomach.”
Start by removing the leg bone, or if you prefer, you can have your butcher take care of it for you. They might even butterfly it upon request, though it’s best to ask with a smile to persuade them. In the meantime, roughly chop up your spinach to prepare it for the recipe.
Then, take your chopped spinach and toss it into a pan heated over medium heat along with the oil.
Add your minced garlic to the pan and sauté it until it halves in volume, which should take approximately 2 minutes.
Mix your sautéed spinach and garlic from the pan into a small bowl. Add the pine nuts, golden raisins, and goat cheese to the bowl as well. Combine all these ingredients together, ensuring they are well incorporated.
Next, take the mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic, pine nuts, golden raisins, and goat cheese, and generously smear it on the inside of the butterflied leg of lamb. Make sure to spread the filling evenly to ensure every bite is infused with the delectable flavors.
No Cooking Twine? No Problem!
Here’s a common predicament many of us have encountered while cooking: the need for cooking twine without having any at hand. If you’re like me and often cook on the fly, finding creative solutions becomes more of an art form than a skill.
Fortunately, there’s a simple workaround using aluminum foil! If you can’t find any twine, don’t fret. Roll up some foil and wrap it around your meat, just as you would with cooking twine.
This ingenious hack provides a quick fix for a temporary issue, allowing you to secure the lamb leg and proceed with the recipe without missing a beat.
While my Game of Thrones nerd collection may not rival the magnitude of my Harry Potter shrine, it continues to expand steadily, with each addition being a cherished Funko Pop! character. Every figure represents a beloved character from the epic world of Westeros, further fueling my passion for the series. Just as the Seven Kingdoms evolve and unfold, so too does my collection, a testament to the enduring allure of Game of Thrones.
Place your prepared lamb into a roasting pan and transfer it to the preheated oven set to 350°F. Allow the lamb to roast for approximately one to one and a half hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
This cooking time ensures that the lamb is cooked to a tender and juicy perfection, ready to be enjoyed. Keep an eye on the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness.
Admittedly, this took much longer than I expected, and my leg actually took about 2 hours from start to finish – but then again, my leg weighed in at about 7 lbs. It’s important to note that the cooking time for a leg of lamb can vary based on its size and weight. In my case, with such a sizable leg, it required a bit more time in the oven. The extra hour was well worth it, as it allowed the lamb to become tender and succulent, resulting in a truly delectable dish.
When working with a larger cut of meat, like my 7 lb leg, it’s crucial to be patient and ensure that it reaches the desired internal temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Once the internal temperature of your lamb’s leg reaches 145°F, it’s time to remove it from the oven. Let the leg rest for a minimum of 10 minutes before proceeding. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
After the rest, it’s time to slice the lamb, revealing its perfectly cooked and succulent interior. Serve the slices with pride, savoring the culmination of your culinary endeavors.
This delightful recipe, with slight alterations, can be discovered in The Unofficial Game of Thrones Cookbook. The cookbook offers a collection of delectable recipes inspired by the beloved series, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the culinary world of Westeros. With its wide array of dishes, including this lamb leg preparation, The Unofficial Game of Thrones Cookbook invites you to embark on a culinary adventure, bringing the flavors of the Seven Kingdoms right into your own kitchen. They didn’t sponsor this recipe or anything, but they deserve a shoutout for being the inspiration behind this recipe.
Find more Game of Thrones Inspired Recipes here!
Tyrion’s Leg of Lamb | Game of Thrones Recipes
Ingredients
- 5-6 lb leg of lamb bone removed, butterflied
- 16 oz spinach
- 4 tablespoons garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ¼ cup basil
- ⅓ cup goat cheese
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bone, trim, and butterfly the leg of lamb (or have your butcher do it for you).
- In a pan over medium heat, sauté the spinach and minced garlic until the spinach is significantly reduced in size, which should take about 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the golden raisins, pine nuts, basil, and goat cheese.
- Spread the spinach mixture onto the inside of the lamb's leg, then roll it up and secure it with twine (or aluminum foil!).
- Place the rolled lamb into the oven and roast for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Allow the lamb leg to rest for 10-15 minutes, then slice, serve, and savor the flavors of this delectable dish. Enjoy!