8 lamb red recipes

Lamb ring filled with creamy spinach bakes a tomato-spiked ground lamb meatloaf in a ring mold, then fills the center with sour cream and cream cheese spinach. A retro centerpiece dinner for four.

Grilled lamb rib chops served with homemade red pepper pesto made from charred bell peppers, fresh basil, Parmesan, and garlic. A smoky, herbaceous summer grill recipe.

Irish lamb stew with red potatoes, pearl onions, and a splash of Irish ale. Slow-simmered with thyme and bay until the lamb is fork-tender. A St. Patrick's Day classic.

Tender lamb rib chops marinated overnight in red wine, crushed juniper berries, garlic and extra-virgin olive oil, then grilled until charred and smoky. Serve with olives and charred pepper skewers.

I wouldn't think of making roast beef, pot roast, beef stew, or osso buco without thyme. I also use it on steaks and chops as in the below recipe for lamb, which in my opinion, has the best affinity for thyme.

Roast leg of lamb studded with garlic and rosemary, rubbed with lemon juice, roasted over sliced potatoes and onions. Finished with a fresh mint butter pan sauce.

Lamb steaks braised in dry apple cider with crystallized ginger, English mustard, apple, and yogurt. A British-style casserole with a sweet-sharp sauce and tender, fall-apart meat.

Lamb and pine nut stir fry: quick microwave stir fry with thinly sliced lamb, bok choy, mushrooms, and oyster sauce. Toasted pine nuts on top for crunch. Ready in under 30 minutes over rice.