A succulent, sautéed lamb dish, originating from Spain – one of its most popular meat recipes which is easy to follow and quick to cook.
The end of 2016 has come and gone. As I start the New Year I’m loaded with photo shoots and making lists of all the work to be completed and my goals going forward for 2017.I have decided to take a five-minute break from my extremely busy schedule and browsing around online I click onto Lottoland UK and scroll through all their Jackpots. WOW!! That is a lot of money on one site! What a blast it would be starting the New Year by winning one of those jackpots; I’m just imagining what I would do with a prize like that…
I would travel the world, tasting and experimenting with every ingredient and dish I could find, from bustling metropolis’ to quaint villages. I would snap images of everything that moves and anything that doesn’t. I would start with… Spain… what better place to find a smorgasbord of food, wine, art, architecture, culture and dancing. Spain was once one of the most powerful and richest nations in Europe and is still the birthplace of one of the world’s greatest cultures.
Steeped in rich cultural history. From navigation pioneers and 16th-century conquistadores of the New World to 20th-century iconic art and architecture. Spaniards are blissful, gregarious people with a love of food and wine. They are deeply passionate romantics and sensual dancers. Unmistakably, it is one of the best countries in the world, catering to everyone’s holiday and travel dreams. Spaniards love to relax and what better way to relax than on the vast idyllic beaches during Siesta, nap time every afternoon between 1-5pm, or drinking their world famous Sangria. Sightseeing world renowned architecture like Antoni Gaudi’s magnum opus La Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic Church in Barcelona with the most confusing architecture, construction began in 1886 and is proposed to end in 2026, the centenary anniversary of the architect’s death.
Partying in Ibiza or touring the art galleries and museums, Spain is home to some of the most original and emblematic artists of the 20th century, Salvador Dali, Picasso, and Joan Miro whose expansive works can still be admired in various museums and galleries around Spain. This is the same country that brought us Flamenco music and dancing, Spanish guitars and Bullfighting, and let us not forget it is a football-crazed nation.
Spain has something for everyone with the most glorious food and drinks where every region boasts a completely different cuisine to the next. Cuisines entrenched in the vast global expansion of the Spanish Empire and influenced through time by ancient trade routes, exotic spices and ethnic ingredients. Spain has a culinary story tale which dates back to pre-history as wars have merged cultures and empires have risen and fallen. My personal favourite in any home or on any menu is lamb and the Spaniards have perfected the art of lamb cuisine.
Lamb, Lamb, glorious Lamb!
Cochifrito de Cordero is one of my all-time favourites. “Cordero” means lamb. From Rogan Josh to the hot pot, to the shepherd’s pie, it’s safe to say that every culture and every household has its own take on lamb dishes. Cochifrito de Cordero is a delicious sautéed lamb dish that originated in Spain. It’s easy to make, and any chef can put their own culinary spin on it. Cochifrito de Cordero, sometimes simply referred to as ‘cochifrito‘, is a traditional spicy Spanish lamb dish. It may also be made from suckling pig or goat, and indeed the word ‘cochifrito‘ is a portmanteau of the Spanish words ‘cochinillo‘ which is a piglet that’s still nursing and “frito” which means fried.
Nonetheless, this dish is especially exquisite when it is made with ‘cordero‘ or lamb, as it has been for centuries. In fact, Cochifrito de Cordero dates back over 7 centuries and is inextricably linked to the rich shepherding culture in Spain. There are over 78,000 miles of sheep herding trails in Spain, which connect the many small mountain towns with extensive pastures where shepherds working in pairs or even alone will take thousands of sheep to graze for months at a time. This hearty and flavourful stew provides the energy needed for the long days spent corralling goats and sheep in the pastures.
Often people get confused between “cochifrito” and “cuchifrito”.The pronunciation and formation of the words are similar but they are entirely different dishes. The “cochifrito de cordero” is a Spanish dish of sauteed lamb bursting with the flavors of the Mediterranean Sea, originating from the Northern part of the country that is very popular in springtime. While “cuchifrito” represents a collection of several fried pork dishes hailing from the Puerto Rican cuisine. This delectable dish consists of chunks of lamb fried together with garlic, vinegar, and spices. The spices used may vary from place to place in Spain with the ‘manchego‘ from La Mancha, the ‘segoviano‘ from Segovia, and the ‘extremeño‘ from Extremadura being the three most popular regional varieties.
The dish is immersed in traditional culture and generations of handed down family recipes. A “cochifrito” is like a “lasagne”. In the same way that Italians will proudly claim that their Nonna makes the best Lasagna in the world, the Spanish and Latinos insist that their Abuela’s Cochifrito de Cordero rises above any competition.
COOK MORE SPANISH FOOD AT HOME
Michelin and Five-star chefs are also putting their own stamp on a lamb cochifrito, and in foodie circles, it’s increasingly being seen as an interesting alternative to a leg of lamb in a many forward thinking gourmet restaurants. What’s more, with this recipe a skilled chef can use other parts of the lamb and cook them at different rates for the desired consistency of the stew. As for the side dishes, steamed seasonal vegetables are always a good choice and definitely serve to highlight the dish’s peasant origins. Potatoes especially “Papas Arrugadas” with “Mojo Rojo/ Mojo Picón” sauce are delectable favourites. Rice particularly Basmati rice adds to that Mediterranean allure and if you tweak the spices a little you could have your own curry hybrid. Finish off your Spanish-infused Flamenco evening with a moreish Spanish dessert “Canarian Bienmesabe”. Wine pairings for this dish should be high-quality rustic reds with a low tannin count. Côtes du Roussillon and Languedoc rare are both superb choices.
What is your favourite lamb recipe?
Cordero de Cochifrito
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This cochifrito, also known as cuchifritos, recipe is made with lamb, not pork. Another super Spanish lamb dish that’s easy to prepare but packed with flavour.
Ingredients
- 45ml (3 tbsp) vegetable oil
- 1kg (2 lbs) boneless shoulder of lamb, cut in 2.5cm (1in) slices
- 2 onions, peeled and finely sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 5ml (1 tsp) paprika
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan and brown the lamb in batches.
- Remove the lamb and set aside then add the onions and garlic.
- When the onion mixture has softened add the meat, paprika and season to taste.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until cooked and tender.
Notes
- This dish may also be made using pork in place of lamb – the name “cochifrito” means little pig, fried.
- In the photo the lamb was served with Garlic & Chilli Courgetti and boiled new potatoes. The meat also goes wonderfully in a wrap with avocado, red onions and a dollop of yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Braise
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 186 mg
- Fat: 17.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Protein: 42.9 g
- Cholesterol: 143 mg
Keywords: Cochifrito recipe, spanish cuchifritos, spanish lamb dishes
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Camilla
My family would love this dish, we love spicy meat in a wrap:-)
★★★★★
Choclette
I’ve only been to Spain once and the only thing I remember is the horchata and the torone. I’d love to go back now I’m so much more au fait with the foods there. I’d never even heard of tapas!
★★★★★
Helen Costello
This looks the perfect dish for cold January evenings – great for all the family.
Katie Bryson
This looks SO tasty and just perfect for a chilly weekend. I’m dreaming of Spanish sunshine right now….
★★★★★
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche
I don’t know what I would do if I won a load of money – probably go somewhere really exotic like Tahiti or Fiji 🙂
Tracey Peach
I love slow cooked lamb shank with veg & roast potatoes 🙂 x
★★★★★
Heather Haigh
Moussaka
Fiona K
Lamb Shank
Heather Haigh
already a subscriber
Tracy Nixon
I love moussaka!
★★★★★
Elizabeth Hinds
I love minted lamb kebabs with salad, pitta breads and tzatziki – yum! 🙂
Rachael Simmons
Moroccan Lamb Tagine with pomegranate seeds
Andrew Petrie
Curry is my favourite lamb recipe.
John Forbes
I do love a lamb biriyani.
John Forbes
Have subscribed aswell.
lorranie stone
Lamb chops with prunes caserole
rebecca green
Moroccan lamb is great
Ani
I’m quite boring, I like leg of lamb with a roast dinner.
Janice
a lamb casserole is fab
brenda melaniphy
I LOVE lamb shanks with minted baby potatoes!
Danielle Spencer
I love a good shepherds pie – I’ve also subscribed 🙂
Emma Gibson
None, don’t like lamb.
Helen Moulden
I like Moroccan Lamb with cous cous
Alica
I love slow cooked lamb shank in red wine!
glenn hutton
I love a lamb kofte the most, followed by various Indian spiced varieties…
Ali Thorpe
I don’t eat lamb but I like the see the recipes so I can get ideas I can adapt.
John Edwards
James Martins Pulled shoulder of lamb curry gorgeous
christine shelley
I prefer leg of lamb with all the trimmings
Sarah Wilson
I love lamb sharwarma – amazing!
Laura Jeffs
Lamb shank
leanne weir
Lamb kebabs – mmmmmmmmmm
Dawn F
I don’t eat lamb but my husband likes lamb shish. Subscribed by email.
Alison Johnson
I’m a vegetarian so don’t have a favourite Lamb recipe, but Hubby does like a leg of lamb nicely seasoned with herbs from the garden.
clair downham
lamb curry
Gary Topley
Lamb Casserole
Maggie Coates
Roast lamb with mint sauce
Marc Chivers
Lamb curry
Michaela Hannah
I love lamb koftas with mint yoghurt dip
Gillian McClelland
Lamb Kebab with mint
Jane
Lamb balti with lots of naan bread
Karen Barrett
Lamb and chickpea curry
LAURA WHEATLEY
lamb and mint raita is lush go so well together
lucinda duxbury
mine is good old roast lamb! you cant beat a good roast
Mark Johnson
full roast lamb heston syle
Richard Tyler
lamb moussaka or minted lamb burgers
Ellen Sheppard
I love a traditional roast lamb dinner with mint sauce
★★★★
michelle o'neill
lamb shank with veg & roast potatoes
sharon stanley
We love shepherds pie made with minced lamb. Simple and nutritious way to enjoy it.
Deborah Clarke
Cant beat a lamb Korma. My favourite comfort food.
cathyj
Lamb shanks slow cooked
Paul Halling
Great photographs – makes us want to grab food off screen!!
Jackie Dawson
Lamb Shepherd s Pie
Alison
Sheperds Pie
Liam Bishop
Minted lamb stew and dumplings, done in the slow cooker. Epic!
Sarah Brokenshire
cant beat lamb moussaka x
Sam Rhodes
lamb rogan josh 🙂
Lisa Wilkinson
I love a Mousakka
Jo Carroll
Would it be an awful crime to admit to Lamb Stew…I just love it.
★★★★★
samantha swain
Rack of lamb
Kerry Locke
Simple Roast Lamp with Mint sauce and loads of fresh veg
★★★★★
Susan Hoggett
I love Moroccan Lamb with cous cous
Rachael Ashmore
Minted lamb hotpot is my absolute favourite it’s delicious ?
Louise Reeks
Lamb Shanks
Kate Davies
Moroccan Lamb Tagine.
Rebecca Alderson
I love lamb goulash with rice!
Sara Goodman
Grilled lamb cutlets with mint sauce – huge yum!!!
Thanks for a fantastic giveaway 🙂
beky austerberry
Minted lamb chops with lots of veg
michelle thompson
roast lamb dinner
Maureen Quinnell
slow cooked with red wine
Sarah Mcvicar
I love making a slow cooker lamb doner meat. xx
Marina Wilson
My favourite lamb dish is Roast Leg, covered in rosemary and with garlic slivers inserted within the joint meat. Just pink when served with home made mint sauce
Solange
Lamb Boti Kabab
Derek Wilson
Lamb cottage pie. Yum!
Cathryn Crawshaw
Lamb shank
Jenny Jones
Lamb Kebabs mmm
Joanna Sawka
subscribed
Joanna Sawka
lamb shish wrap
Sue Harrison
I made a slow cooked lamb Tagine last week. First time I’ve tried this and it’s a new favourite 🙂
Karen R
I love lamb tagine 🙂
Karen R
I’ve now subscribed to your newsletter
Tanya Vincent
Love Greek lamb with orzo, served with a delicious Greek salad.
★★★★★
Ian Campbell
Lancashire hotpot. By ‘eck, Betty Turpin would be proud! 🙂
Ian Campbell
Have subscribed to the awesome newsletter 🙂
gemma hendry
i love lamb curry
Jamie Millard
lamb grillsteaks.
Emma Smith
butterflied lamb, marinated in yogurt and mint and grilled on bbq
suzanne maher
Love lamb casserole 🙂
Jemma Dwyer
lamb stew
Jay Hill
We normally have it as a roast although I don’t eat lamb – the rest of the family love it though
Emma Davison
Roast lamb
Johanne Currie
Roasted lamb x
Kay Broomfield
Is it ok to say none? I’m a vegetarian!
Kat Allinson
Moussaka
Sally Poole
When we visited Greece a few years ago, the tastiest meal we had was chunks of lamb cooked in a foil wrap with lots of herbs and chunky veg. I’ve cooked it this way many times at homes and it is delicious, juicy and tasty
SHAZZ
spicy quorn mince (vegetarian) 🙂
Nick B
Simple Roast Lamb with Rosemary
Jane Middleton
Great recipe, would love to try this
claire little
I don’t eat lamb
Hayley Colburn
My mum makes the tastiest Moroccan Lamb Tegine ever, I absolutely love it
Katherine Lucas
Roast Lamb
DawnLouise M
I don’t eat meat, but last time I cooked lamb I slow cooked it with cherries and it went down a treat with our guests.
Yaron
this recipe looks amazing, perfect for a winter weekend
Emma Louise Elliott
My favourite lamb is probably rack of lamb although I love all lamb as long as I’ve cut any fat off lol xxx
Sheena Read
Lamb Tagine
Jackie Roberts
Lamb Kebabs are a fave in our house,love this recipe going to give this a bash
paula cheadle
Roasted mint lamb is my fav
Sian Buckingham
My Partner loves minted lamb chops!
★★★★★
lindsey bray
kleftiko Mmmmm
Mark Rayner
I love a good Lamb Bhuna
Laura Bryant
Got to be traditional roast dinner
KARL BOROWY
lamb biriyani
Antonia Richardson
Moussaka
Rebecca roberts
I love a good old lamb Madras yum its my favorite meat
Mark Fletcher
Good ol Shepherds Pie! (With a lttle grated cheese on top obvs!)
Tammy Neal
I love minted lamb kebabs with salad
Phil Boyle
Lamb Hotpot ; Having slow cooked the Lamb for 3 hours.
Jules Eley
Lamb Hotpot
Ruth Wollerton
I live minted lamb kebabs – yummytastic. Thanks for the chance xxx
Robyn Clarke
I love Kleftiko, its one my ultimate favourites, I make it every year for my mum for mothersday.
Maria P
Lamb stew as my mum makes 🙂 spicy and hot
Natalie Crossan
Mousakka