Arnaki Fricassee (Lamb with Lettuce and Egg-Lemon Sauce)
Why this recipe works
- Gentle depth: Browning the lamb first gives the broth a savoury base before the spring onions, garlic and lettuce soften into it.
- Balanced tang: Lemon brightens the rich lamb, while the egg rounds the broth into a smooth sauce rather than a sharp dressing.
- Silky finish: Tempering the eggs with hot broth before adding them back to the pot helps create the characteristic avgolemono-style texture.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Keep the sauce smooth: Add the egg-lemon mixture off the heat, then warm the stew very gently; boiling can make the sauce split and turn grainy.
- Whisk before tempering: Whisk the eggs until completely smooth before adding lemon juice and hot broth, so the sauce blends evenly into the stew.
- Protect the lettuce: Add the lettuce near the end so it softens fully but keeps some colour and does not collapse into the broth.
Timing notes
- Most of the time is simmering: The active work is mainly browning, trimming and tempering; the lamb needs a slow, gentle simmer to become tender.
- Best served straight away: Once the egg-lemon sauce is added, serve promptly for the smoothest texture and freshest dill flavour.
Authenticity notes
- Avgolemono-style finish: The egg and lemon mixture is a classic Greek way to thicken and brighten stews without using cream.
- Greens in the stew: Lettuce and spring onions give the dish a lighter, greener character than heavier lamb stews.
- Herb variation: Dill is typical for its fresh, grassy note, while parsley gives a softer herb flavour.
Make-ahead tips
- Braise the lamb ahead: The lamb base can be cooked in advance and chilled before the lettuce and egg-lemon finish are added.
- Finish just before serving: For the best texture, reheat the lamb gently, add the lettuce, then temper and stir in the egg-lemon sauce at the end.
- Reheat gently: Warm leftovers over low heat, stirring often, and avoid boiling to protect the delicate sauce.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim and finely slice the spring onions, keeping the paler and greener parts together. Peel and thinly slice the garlic. Pat the lamb dry and season it with the fine sea salt and a little of the black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and brown well for 6 to 8 minutes, turning so it colours on most sides. Stir in the spring onions and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the water and bring to a gentle simmer, skimming any foam from the surface. Cover and cook over low heat for 55 to 65 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is tender. Keep the simmer gentle so the broth stays clear.
- Meanwhile, separate the butterhead lettuce leaves, rinse well, and shake off excess water. Tear any very large leaves in half so they wilt evenly. Add the lettuce to the pot in handfuls, letting each addition soften before adding more.
- Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the lettuce is tender but still bright. Reduce the heat to low so the stew is barely bubbling. Taste the broth and adjust with a little more fine sea salt if needed.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth, then whisk in the juice of both lemons. Ladle in about 200 ml of the hot broth a little at a time, whisking constantly to warm the mixture. This tempers the eggs so they do not curdle.
- With the pot off the heat, slowly pour the egg and lemon mixture into the stew, stirring gently. Return to very low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until the broth turns silky and lightly thickened; do not let it boil. Stir in the fresh dill and the remaining black pepper, then serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the heat very low after adding the egg and lemon mixture; if the stew boils, the eggs can split and turn grainy.
- For extra insurance, use a thermometer and keep the stew below 80°C (175°F) once the egg and lemon mixture is added.
- If serving vulnerable groups, use eggs with a safety mark and ensure the stew is heated gently until piping hot without boiling.
Substitutions
- Replace Fresh dill with Fresh parsley for a milder, more rounded herb finish.
- Replace Olive oil with Ghee for a richer, more buttery base note.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat very gently over low heat until piping hot, stirring often, and do not boil or the egg and lemon sauce may split.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 1h 40min (30min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Greek
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Allergens:
Eggs
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