When it comes to Easter traditions, one of the most beloved and iconic symbols is the butter lamb. This decorative and delicious centerpiece has been a staple in many Polish and Eastern European households for centuries. Traditionally served on Easter Sunday, this buttery sculpture takes the form of a lamb to represent the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in Christian beliefs. While it may seem intimidating to make, this Easter butter lamb recipe is actually quite simple and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Egg Yolk, Lamb Shoulder, Plain Flour, Olive
If you're looking for a delicious and unique way to serve lamb this Easter, look no further than this mouth-watering lamb and pea pie. Tender chunks of lamb are slow-cooked with peas, carrots, and herbs, then topped with a flaky pastry crust for a savory and satisfying meal. Serve it as the centerpiece of your Easter feast and impress your guests with this elevated take on traditional lamb dishes.
2of 20
5-Ingredient Shepherds Pie
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Lamb, Tomato Passata, Butter, Salad Leaves
This easy 5-ingredient shepherds pie is the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight. Ground lamb, mashed potatoes, and a few simple seasonings come together to create a hearty and delicious meal that the whole family will love. It's a great way to use up leftover lamb from a Sunday roast, and can easily be doubled for a crowd-pleasing dinner party dish.
3of 20
Lamb Stew
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Lamb, Yellow Onion, Garlic Clove, All
There's nothing quite like a warm and comforting lamb stew on a chilly evening. This recipe combines tender chunks of lamb with hearty vegetables and a rich, flavorful broth for a stew that will warm you from the inside out. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for a satisfying and hearty meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
4of 20
Traditional Lancashire Hotpot
Main Ingredients: Butter, Vegetable Oil, Lamb, Brown Onions, Plain Flour
For a taste of traditional English cuisine, try this Lancashire hotpot recipe. This classic dish features layers of tender lamb, potatoes, and onions, slow-cooked until the meat is fall-apart tender and the potatoes are crispy on top. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that will transport you to the English countryside with every bite.
5of 20
Sicilian Lamb
Main Ingredients: Onion, Tomatoes, Red Bell Peppers, Garlic Cloves, Olive
This Sicilian lamb recipe is a twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring tender lamb cooked with olives, capers, and tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flavor. The lamb is braised until it's melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce is perfect for soaking up with a crusty piece of bread. It's a simple and impressive dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
6of 20
Jo's Lamb Stew
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Flour, Garlic, Onion, Butter, Olive Oil, Water
This lamb stew recipe is a family favorite from the kitchen of Jo Seagar, a well-known New Zealand chef. With a combination of lamb, root vegetables, and a touch of wine and Worcestershire sauce, this stew is flavorful and comforting. Serve it with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate winter meal.
7of 20
Lamb Ravioli With Brown Butter Sauce
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Goat Cheese, Fresh Rosemary, Frozen Spinach
If you're feeling ambitious, try making your own lamb ravioli with this delicious recipe. Tender lamb is mixed with a blend of herbs and spices, then stuffed into homemade ravioli and served with a rich and decadent brown butter sauce. It's a labor of love, but the end result is worth it for a special occasion or dinner party.
8of 20
Easy, Low Carb Broiled Lamb and Butter Fennel
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Stew Meat, Onion, Fennel, Fennel Bulb
If you're watching your carb intake, this broiled lamb and butter fennel recipe is the perfect option. Thinly sliced lamb is broiled with a flavorful butter and fennel topping for a quick and easy meal that's low in carbs but high in flavor. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
9of 20
Garlic Butter Lamb Chops
Main Ingredients: Lamb Loin Chops, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
These garlic butter lamb chops are a simple and delicious way to enjoy tender and flavorful lamb. The chops are seasoned with a blend of herbs and garlic, then cooked to perfection in a skillet. Serve them with your favorite side dishes for an elegant and easy dinner that's perfect for any night of the week.
10of 20
Epic Greek Lamb Stew
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Lamb, Ground Cinnamon
This Greek lamb stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chunks of lamb are cooked with a blend of traditional Greek flavors, like oregano, garlic, and lemon, for a dish that will transport you to the Mediterranean with every bite. Serve it over rice or with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
11of 20
Cornish Pasties
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Lamb, Carrots, Onion, Juice, Worcestershire
Cornish pasties are a traditional English dish that's perfect for using up leftover lamb. These handheld pies are filled with a mixture of tender lamb, vegetables, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. They make a great lunch or dinner option and can be easily packed for a picnic or on-the-go meal.
12of 20
Easy Baked Lamb Chops
Main Ingredients: Lamb Chops, Italian Parsley, Rosemary Sprigs, Salt
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try these baked lamb chops. The chops are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then baked in the oven until they're juicy and tender. Serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
13of 20
Garlic Herb Lamb Chops
Main Ingredients: Lamb Loin Chops, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Crushed
If you're looking to elevate your lamb chops, try this garlic herb recipe. The chops are marinated in a blend of garlic, herbs, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection for a flavorful and tender dish. Serve them with your favorite side dishes for a dinner that's sure to impress.
14of 20
Easy Shepherd’s Pie-Traditional With Ground Lamb
Main Ingredients: Ground Lamb, Medium Onion, Garlic, Baby Carrots, Frozen
This traditional shepherd's pie recipe is made with ground lamb instead of the more commonly used ground beef. The lamb is cooked with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, then topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cold winter night.
15of 20
Roasted Easter Lamb
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Rib, Bones, Freshly Ground Pepper, Salt, Extra
Easter wouldn't be complete without a delicious roasted lamb. This recipe features a tender and flavorful leg of lamb, roasted to perfection with a blend of herbs and spices. Serve it with your favorite Easter sides, like roasted vegetables and potatoes, for a feast that's fit for a holiday celebration.
16of 20
Greek Moussaka
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Butter, Chopped Onion, Minced Garlic, Ground
Moussaka is a popular Greek dish that's similar to a lasagna, but with layers of tender eggplant, lamb, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd or for making ahead and reheating for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
17of 20
Saag Gosht (Lamb with Spinach Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Lamb, Kosher Salt, Onions, Garlic, Minced Ginger
This Indian-inspired dish features tender lamb cooked in a fragrant and flavorful spinach sauce. The combination of spices, like garam masala and turmeric, give the dish a delicious and complex flavor. Serve it with naan bread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
18of 20
Lancashire Hotpot
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Waxy Potatoes, Butter, Onion, Carrots, Celery
This Lancashire hotpot recipe is a classic English dish that's perfect for using up leftover lamb. The meat is slow-cooked with vegetables and topped with sliced potatoes, then baked until the potatoes are crispy on top. It's a simple and hearty meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
19of 20
Cumin Lamb
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Cumin, Cornstarch, Oil, Light Soy Sauce
This cumin lamb recipe is a flavorful and spicy dish that's perfect for those who love bold flavors. The lamb is marinated in a blend of spices and then stir-fried with vegetables for a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice or with your favorite noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
This classic shepherd's pie recipe is a must-try for any lamb lover. Tender chunks of lamb are cooked with vegetables and a savory gravy, then topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let's make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For this Easter butter lamb, you will need unsalted butter, salt, and fresh parsley. These are the basic ingredients, but you can also add in some garlic, chives, or dill for some added flavor. You will also need a butter lamb mold or a lamb-shaped cookie cutter to create the desired shape.
The Process
To begin, let your butter soften at room temperature for about an hour. This will make it easier to work with. Once the butter is soft, add in a pinch of salt and any additional herbs or spices you desire. Using a mixer, blend all the ingredients together until well combined.
Next, place the butter mixture into your lamb mold or use the cookie cutter to shape the butter into a lamb. Make sure to pack the butter tightly into the mold to ensure it holds its shape. Once the butter is shaped, place it in the refrigerator to chill and harden for at least 30 minutes.
Once the butter has hardened, carefully remove it from the mold or cookie cutter and place it on a decorative platter. To add some color and flavor, top the butter lamb with a generous amount of chopped fresh parsley. This will give it a vibrant green color and a fresh taste.
Enjoying Your Easter Butter Lamb
Now that your Easter butter lamb is complete, it's time to enjoy it! This decorative and delicious centerpiece can be served as an appetizer or alongside your main course. Simply slice off a piece of the butter lamb and spread it onto some warm bread or crackers. The combination of the creamy butter and fresh herbs is sure to be a hit with your family and guests.
In conclusion, while the Easter butter lamb may seem like a daunting task, it is actually quite simple to make and adds a special touch to your holiday celebrations. So why not give this traditional recipe a try and create a beautiful and tasty centerpiece for your Easter table? Your family and taste buds will thank you.