Spanish Roast Lamb - an Easter treat

The roast lamb that many eat on Easter Sunday goes back earlier than Easter to the first Passover of the Jewish people. The sacrificial lamb was roasted and eaten, together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs  in hopes that the angel of God would pass over their homes and bring no harm. As Hebrews converted to Christianity, they naturally brought along their traditions with them. The Christians often refer to Jesus as The Lamb of God. Thus, the traditions merged.

As per usual, I've opted for a Spanish recipe because Spanish-seasoned leg of lamb is a very special dish. The key ingredients are in the seasonings: Cumin and paprika are the perfect compliments to this tender and juicy lamb. If you are a lamb lover, you simply have to try this recipe. Spanish oven potatoes topped with manchego cheese is a must compliment for this scrumptious dish...........however an Easter cocktail maybe in order first.

How about a French Martini ?
 vodka, Chambord  (black and red raspberry liqueur) and pineapple juice

 or maybe a jug of the very popular - Mojito?

Roast Lamb (Cordero Asado)

Ingredients
2 1/2 lbs. of leg of lamb
4 cloves chopped garlic
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
a handful of chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
a sprig of fresh rosemary
3 bay leaves
2 large onion (halved)
salt and pepper to taste
1 bottle of Spanish red wine

Method
Salt and pepper the leg of lamb on both sides generously. Mix all spices, herbs (except the bay leaves) and garlic together and add  2 tablespoons of olive oil to make a pasty texture.

Marinate at room temperature for an at least an hour. You could do this rub the night before and keep it refrigerated until an hour before you prepare it. Letting meat rest at room temperature before cooking it will keep the meat tender.

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. In large saute pan add remaining olive oil. Sear lamb on both sides. Remove lamb and place in an oven-proof dish. De-glaze the pan with a 1/2 a bottle of red wine and reduce for 5 minutes. Pour over the lamb. Reduce oven temp accordingly. Put lamb into the oven - adding the halved onions and bay leaves to the de-glazed sauce and roast slowly. Baste often and use a little more red wine if needed. Roast for 20 minutes per pound.

Serves 6 to 8



Blood, Wine and War

The History of Sangria

Sangria—The word that once meant ‘blood’ is now one of the most popular drinks in the world. This refreshing concoction, usually made of fruit soaked in red wine, is a refreshing summer drink enjoyed around the word. But what are its origins? What is the history of sangria?

In order to discover the true history of sangria, we have to go back hundreds of years, when the world seemed much larger, modern history was unwritten, and vineyards were beginning to spread across the Iberian peninsula.

And the people who did this—the people who planted the ancient vineyards of Spain—did not arrive peacefully. They arrived spilling blood. They were the Romans. This was around 200 BC. They conquered Spain. They planted the vineyards that would one day become responsible for the very first sip of sangria.

The local citizens, in their quest for refreshment, and alcoholic enjoyment, created fruit punches from the red wines they were now enjoying. They called these drinks sangria. For they were the color of blood, and packed a punch because they were often fortified with a ‘punch’ of brandy.

This also explains why red wine is the most commonly used base for sangria—because those very Romans who planted vineyards thousands of years ago discovered that red grape varietals produced the best wine. Thus red grapes were planted, red wine was made, and red wine sangria was born.

Fast forward thousands of years and history was made in the United States when the sangria was brought to the 1964 world’s fair in New York City.

Sangria is now enjoyed around the world, in restaurants, cafes, bars, and especially at home. You can even buy pre-made sangria, but I recommend making your own. It is very easy, and far more delicious, with your choice of fresh fruits, wine, and any amount of ‘punch’ you desire.

For approximately 1½ litres of Sangria

Ingredients
1 bottle of red wine
Lemonade or Gaseosa
a shot glass of Brandy
a shot glass of Vodka
a shot glass of Grand Marnier or Cointreau
Lemon, orange and lime
Sugar
Ice

Method
Into a punch bowl or a large jug pour 1 bottle of red wine and more or less the same amount of lemonade (in Spain they use gaseosa). The quantity of lemonade depends on your taste. Add a good amount of ice.
Wash the fruit well as you are going to being using the peel as well. Then slice up the citrus fruits and add to the mix.

You can stop at that if you want a light drink but if you want a zing add a shot of Brandy,Vodka and a shot of Grand Marnier or Cointreau. This is up to you and you may want to experiment with it to find what you like.

Spanish people often add a little sugar but again this depends on your taste, personally I think a little sugar enhances the flavour.

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