CarneAtlas

Cordero lechal

Lamb · Leg
Roast

Cordero lechal is known in English as Suckling lamb.

Also called
🇺🇸🇬🇧Suckling lamb🇫🇷Agneau de lait🇵🇹Borrego de leite🇧🇷Cordeiro de leite🇮🇹Agnello da latte🇩🇪Milchlamm🇮🇹Abbacchio
Raw Cordero lechal — Lamb Leg cut

Castilian PGI tradition of milk-fed suckling lamb, slaughtered at 21 days or younger, weighing under 7kg. Roasted whole or in halves in a wood-fired clay oven (horno de leña) at relatively low temperature for several hours, until the meat is pale, tender, and slightly milky in flavour. The IGP regions are Castilla y León (PGI 'Lechazo de Castilla y León'), with similar traditions in Aragón ('Ternasco de Aragón'). Typical Sunday-lunch centerpiece in Castilian asadores; often called *lechazo* in Castilian and *cordero lechal* more broadly.

Names by country

CountryNameNotes
🇺🇸United StatesSuckling lambSpanish loanword 'cordero lechal' is also used on US restaurant menus, especially Spanish-influenced ones.
🇬🇧United KingdomSuckling lambSometimes 'milk-fed lamb' on UK menus.
🇲🇽MexicoCordero lechal
🇦🇷ArgentinaCordero lechal
🇫🇷FranceAgneau de lait
🇪🇸SpainCordero lechalprimaryCastilian PGI tradition; the cordero lechal slaughter age (≤21 days) is regulated under 'Lechazo de Castilla y León'.
🇵🇹PortugalBorrego de leite
🇧🇷BrazilCordeiro de leite
🇮🇹ItalyAgnello da latte
🇩🇪GermanyMilchlamm

Similar cuts

→ See all Cordero lechal substitutes by country
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Classic recipe

Cordero Lechal Asado (Castilian Roast Suckling Lamb)2 hr 30 min

A milk-fed Castilian lamb roasted whole in a wood-fired clay oven — Segovia and Aranda de Duero's signature Easter dish.…

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