Lamb is a great source of flavor for any meal, but you can really expand the possibilities by pairing it with certain herbs. Here are five herb and lamb combinations that will take your meat prepping to new heights.

1. Rosemary and Lamb

Rosemary is a versatile herb that works well in meat dishes like lamb. The strong flavors of the rosemary cut through the richness of the lamb, giving you a delicious pairing with just enough contrasting tastes to keep things interesting.

Recipe: Lemon Rosemary Lamb Chops

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 lamb loin chops

Directions: Combine the dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub it over both sides of the lamb chops. Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Cook the chops for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through to medium doneness.

2. Parsley and Lamb

Parsley doesn’t add much in the way of flavor to lamb, but it does add a certain richness to the taste. This makes it useful in smaller amounts where you only want a gentle background flavor.

Recipe: Savory Lamb Chops

Ingredients:

• 6 lamb loin chops
• about 1/2 inch thick Olive oil to coat salt and pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat the lamb chops with the olive oil on both sides. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a cast iron pan over medium high heat for about two minutes. Add the lamb chops, cooking 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Place the chops in an ovenproof dish and finish cooking them in the preheated oven (about 5 minutes).

3. Basil and Lamb

Like parsley, basil is an herb that adds some richness to lamb without adding any significant amount of flavor to the meat itself. It’s also great for setting the stage for other flavors to come later.

Recipe: Greek Garlic Roasted Lamb

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lamb loin chops
• Olive oil to coat
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup minced roasted garlic
• prepared 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

Directions: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Coat the lamb chops with a little olive oil on both sides, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a cast iron pan over medium high heat for about two minutes. Add the lamb chops, cooking 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Place the chops in an ovenproof dish and finish cooking them in the preheated oven (about 8 minutes).

4. Oregano and Lamb

Oregano is a popular herb that imparts a fairly strong flavor into lamb. It’s an excellent choice when you want something robust but not overpowering. Try using it in Middle Eastern dishes where the flavor palate tends toward the stronger side of lamb’s taste spectrum.

Recipe: Grilled Lamb Kofta

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground lamb
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning blend
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• 6 pieces pita bread Olive oil to coat

Directions Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Form the mixture into patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Heat cast iron pan to medium high heat. Coat with olive oil and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned on both sides. Wrap in pita bread along with some vegetables, if desired.

5. Thyme and Lamb

Thyme is another herb that’s fairly easy to use in its dried form, which makes it popular for lamb recipes. It adds a hearty flavor to the mix without being too strong on its own. Those who aren’t as fond of lamb may appreciate thyme as a way to make the meat more palatable.

Recipe: Spicy Grilled Lamb Kebabs With Mint Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon lime zest finely grated
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 pounds boneless leg of lamb, cut into cubes

Directions: Combine the olive oil, lime zest and juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, cumin and salt in a medium bowl. Add the lamb to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat. Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto skewers and grill until browned on all sides and cooked to desired doneness, about 2 minutes per side.

So, there you have it! A few herb and lamb combinations that are sure to liven up the taste of your favorite dish. Try them at your next family cookout or dinner party to give everyone something new to rave about.