"ToL" Original Recipe: Garlic-Herb Lamb Skillet with Okinawan Sweet Potatoes & Assorted Veggies

Gini Mayehara
Jul 13
3 min read

Updated: Sep 19

Garlic-Herb Lamb Skillet with Okinawan Sweet Potatoes and Assorted Veggies Recipe

Yields: 5 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon organic extra virgin olive oil
2 pounds organic ground lamb
1 bulb organic garlic, peeled and chopped
2 cups organic arugula
2 organic carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
4 small organic Okinawan sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 bunch organic broccolini, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
2 cups cooked organic white or brown rice (optional for serving)
Purified water for washing rice and soaking potatoes to prevent oxidation

Kitchen Equipment

Mixing bowls/cups/spoons for mise en place ("everything in its place") ingredients
Measuring bowls/cups/spoons
Cutting board
Chef knife
Cutting board
Vegetable peeler
Large skillet/frying pan
Wooden spoon
Rice cooker
Plates
Forks
Rice paddle

Cooking Instructions

Sanitize the kitchen (sink, faucets, countertops, stovetop/oven, cupboard handles, smart devices, computer, etc.).
Measure 2 cups of rice and rinse.
Place rice in the rice cooker.
Peel garlic and chop.
Rinse carrots and broccolini.
Peel carrots and sweet potatoes.
Soak sweet potatoes in water to prevent them from oxidizing.
Mise en place ingredients.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté garlic until brown.
Add 2 pounds of ground lamb.
Brown the lamb using a wooden spoon.
Add seasonings.
Add carrots and sweet potatoes.
Cook until softened.
Add brocollini.
Cook until softened. Do not overcook.
Add arugula.
Cook slightly until wilted. Do not overcook.
Serve the skillet dish with rice.

Beat the Heat!

Summer is in full swing. That means many days of sunshine, being outdoors, and serious sweat, especially in humid atmospheres. Whether you’re lounging around or running errands, it’s easy to get overheated and dehydrated.

Here are seven ways to stay cool, refreshed, and energized all season long:

1. Sip, Sip, Sip.

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Keep a reusable water bottle nearby and take sips throughout the day. Infuse your water with cucumber, mint, or lemon for a refreshing twist that encourages you to sip more. I personally love water with lemon. Yum! It's a treat, and it helps me drink more water throughout the day. I also sometimes like adding electrolytes, too, to keep me hydrated throughout the day.

2. Hydrate with Fruits and Veggies.

Water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, and celery help keep you hydrated and healthy. Strawberries definitely keep me very hydrated- and they're my favorite fruit.

3. Dress for the Weather.

Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen help your skin breathe. Stick to lighter colors to reflect heat instead of absorbing it.

4. Keep Cool Indoors.

Draw the curtains during the hottest part of the day, turn on the aircon, and use a dehumidifier if the humidity is high outdoors.

5. Listen to Your Body.

Feeling dizzy, tired, or cranky? That could be dehydration creeping in. Always listen to your body and take good care of yourself during the summer heat. Don't risk dehydration or heat stroke.

6. Freeze Your Snacks.

Frozen grapes, chilled orange slices, or homemade fruit popsicles make perfect cooling treats. They hydrate and give your body a refreshing break from the heat, without processed sugar crashes. My favorite memory of summer is eating frozen lychee. They're sweet, juicy, and refreshing.

7. Chill with Minty Essential Oils.

Apply diluted peppermint or spearmint essential oil to your wrists, temples, or the back of your neck for an instant cooling sensation. It’s a natural way to refresh your senses and cool your body. Peppermint and spearmint are my top two favorite minty oils to use in the summer. They instantly provide a cooling sensation, and they smell amazing! If you're interested in ordering oils, please visit: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/tasteoflife.

Cheers!

Gini x

13 July 2025