The beauty of lamb is so much more than Sunday. While you cannot underestimate the glorious taste of a melting mouthful of tender roast lamb with buttery mash and vegetables for Sunday lunch, there is no reason lamb can’t be enjoyed every day.
One of the most nutritious, easy and tastiest meats to prepare and cook, it is perfect for convenient, every day meals that you whip up after work or if you want to have something a little more impressive at the weekend for friends and family. Lamb can be enjoyed in so many dishes that we automatically assume must be for beef, pork or even chicken. Everything from Asian-inspired meatballs to juicy American-style burgers to Indian curries are all superb with lamb.
One thing to factor in when cooking lamb is the cut, as that will determine how long you need to cook it for. Lamb is incredibly easy to cook, be it a flash of the pan of a chop with a fresh mint sauce or a low and slow stew or casserole, lamb is always tasty and delicious with plenty of nutritional benefits. The neck, shoulders and shank are at their very best when slow cooked, but other than that lamb is naturally tender and delicate so shines best when cooked simply and quickly.
Lamb is a rich source of quality protein and a valuable source of lots of vitamins and minerals including iron, vitamin B12 and zinc.
There are countless variations and cooking options that make it versatile and never boring. It mixes harmoniously with a variety of herbs like rosemary, mint, basil, thyme and sage. And also loves to go with garlic and even anchovies, especially in a slow roast. For the best results, let the lamb get to room temperature before cooking and ensure it rests after cooking. Despite the fondness to overcook meat to ensure it is “cooked”, if the meat is grilled or prepared on a pan, lamb meat should be eaten light or pink. If it cooks too long, it risks becoming dry and loses its magical taste.
Here are four lamb recipes to match any occasion.
[ THAI STYLE LAMB MEATBALLSOpens in new window ]
This impressive meatball dish is packed with flavour and can be whipped up in no time, and it is always fun making them. The fresh coriander adds the distinctive Thai taste, with the mint completing the elegant taste sensation. This dish makes for a mouth-watering starter for a party, or a quick and easy last minute dinner.
Preparation time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 12 to 15 mins
[ LAMB TAGLIATA WITH SPINACHOpens in new window ]
This delicious dish uses the best of classic Italian flavours with the sweet flavour of tender lamb. Traditionally served with beef, this tagliata, which means "cut" or "sliced" in Italian, is ideal with lamb too. It's a perfect lunch or light supper dish and tastes even better al fresco.
Preparation time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 4 to 6 mins
[ LAMB SLOPPY JOESOpens in new window ]
This iconic American dish is kid-friendly and perfect for the whole family to get stuck into. For a delicious take on it, try it with lamb. The sauce includes Worcester sauce, brown sugar and mustard giving the sauce its unmistakably unique taste and a little slice of Manhattan diner, right at home.
Preparation time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins
[ GRILLED LAMB STEAKS WITH SPICY MANGO SALSAOpens in new window ]
This sweet and zingy salsa is the perfect match for rich, mouthwatering grilled lamb steaks. Try this as a refreshing alternative to a steak supper. The delicious salsa is even better when left to marinade to get the very best taste and textures.
Preparation time: 20 minutes (+ 30 minutes resting time)
Cooking time: 5 to 7 mins
A sustainable industry: Did you know?
- Sheep/lamb can thrive in rural areas of Europe where cultivation would otherwise be difficult
- Sheep farming brings industry to rural areas and is an important source of income for local communities throughout Europe
- Sheep/lamb reared in the EU is a high quality natural product and full of flavour
Lamb – tasty, easy, fun! For more, see www.tastyeasylamb.ie/
