Easter is a time for family, fun, and of course, food. While ham is a traditional Easter dinner staple, not everyone enjoys it, and some may even have dietary restrictions that make it off-limits. Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with some delicious alternatives that will make your holiday dinner a hit!
Recipe 1: Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb
Ingredients:
- 1 5-pound bone-in leg of lamb
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Using a sharp knife, make small slits all over the lamb and rub the herb mixture all over it, making sure to get it into the slits.
- Place the lamb on a roasting pan and roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
- Let the lamb rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 4 ounces
Calories: 245
Fat: 16g
Protein: 23g
Cooking Time:
1.5 to 2 hours
Equipment:
Roasting pan, sharp knife, small bowl
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.
Variations:
Try using different herbs, such as parsley or mint, to change up the flavor.
Substitutions:
You can use boneless leg of lamb if you prefer.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips:
Letting the lamb rest before carving helps to keep it juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, but use about half the amount.
Recipe 2: Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
Ingredients:
- 4 Cornish game hens
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together cooked wild rice, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
- Season the Cornish game hens with salt and black pepper.
- Stuff each hen with the rice mixture and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
- Brush each hen with melted butter and place them in a roasting pan.
- Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the hens rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 hen
Calories: 855
Fat: 59g
Protein: 59g
Cooking Time:
1 hour and 15 minutes
Equipment:
Roasting pan, kitchen twine, large bowl
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a green salad and roasted vegetables.
Variations:
Try using different nuts, such as pecans or almonds, and dried fruit, such as apricots or cherries.
Substitutions:
You can use brown rice instead of wild rice.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips:
Make sure the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken instead of Cornish game hens? Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Who says ham has to be the star of your Easter dinner? These delicious alternatives will have your guests asking for seconds and thirds. Whether you choose to make the herb-roasted leg of lamb or the stuffed Cornish game hens, you’re sure to impress with these flavorful and festive dishes.