New Mexico flat lamb loaf

The title of this dish is perhaps somewhat of an oddity, since lamb in New Mexico is not a big industry. In fact, if you look in the directory of the American Sheep Industry Association, you will find that there are no processors or wholesalers for the entire state. I was raised in cattle country where sheep were taboo.

Nevertheless, a lamb meatloaf topped with a little New Mexico chile makes a refreshing supper meal.

meatloaf
  • 1 lb ground lamb
  • 1 cup TVP
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tsp gravy master browning sauce
  • 1 onion bouillon cube
  • 2 tsp rib rub
  • ¼ cup egg substitute (X)
  • 1 (7-oz) can mild green chile
Topping
  • 4 oz fat free feta cheese, crumbled
  • 4 oz grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 scallion, chopped fine
  • 3 cloves garlic, also chopped fine
  • 2 oz slivered almonds
  • ¼ cup diced green chile
  • ¼ cup cilantro leaves
  • 1 tbsp Rib Rub Roberto †

Add browning sauce to water, add the TVP, and microwave on high for 1 minute to reconstitute. Mix meatloaf ingredients together in a bowl. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with nonstick aluminum foil, about ½” to ¾” thick. Add topping ingredients evenly (where else?) on top. Bake in 400°F oven for 30 minutes until firm.

New Mexico lamb burgoo

Burgoo is a spicy stew that has its roots in Irish or Mulligan stew. Traditionally, the idea was to make a stew using whatever meats and vegetables were available and in good supply.

  • 1 lb lamb stew, in chunks
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, in 1” pieces
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp rosemary
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1 (10½-oz) can condensed beef or 10½ oz homemade† consommé
  • 1 small can mild green chiles
  • enough water to cover lamb
  • 4 oz lower G. I. rotini pasta

Brown lamb, add onions and brown them, and add garlic and sauté for a minute or so.

Add everything else but pasta, add water if needed to cover meat, bring to simmer, and cook for about an hour. About 15 minutes before serving, add the pasta and cook for the prescribed time. Serve in colorful stew bowls.