Yes, we know it’s not the holidays just yet, but now’s the time to start stocking up, because you don’t want to be caught in the Christmas madness that ensues later in December, do you? While roast turkey might once have been the traditional choice for Christmas dinner, it has steadily been surpassed by lamb and it’s easy to see why lamb is far more versatile depending on the cut of meat you choose and definitely more forgiving when it comes to succulence and tenderness.
N1, leading South African meat wholesalers, offer a wide selection of lamb products perfect for every occasion – a leg or shoulder cut ideal for roasting; a variety of chops and kebabs for delicious summer braaing; lamb liver and kidneys if you’re in the mood to bake traditional Christmas meat pies; and shanks if you fancy a rich and sumptuous dish. While traditional dishes are always good, it is exciting to try something new – especially over the holiday season – so if you want to break away from the norm this December then give some thought to these 5 deliciously different lamb ideas, courtesy of Saveur.
1) Spaghetti alla chitarra with lamb and sweet pepper ragu
Lighter than the rich beef and pork ragùs of other Italian regions, this Abruzzo specialty features bell peppers mixed into the sauce and cooked briefly so they retain their shape and lend a pop of sweetness.
Here, a classic jerk marinade is perfumed with rosemary and slathered over lamb loin chops for a surprising take on the iconic chicken preparation. The soy sauce in the marinade boosts the lamb's umami flavours.
3) Grilled lamb burgers with red onion aioli
Grilled red onion aïoli, smashed avocado, and sunny-side-up eggs top these rich cumin-spiced lamb burgers.
4) Honey-braised lamb shanks (Mrouzia)
Lamb shanks are braised for hours in a sumptuous sauce of honey, almonds, and raisins in this centuries-old Moroccan dish served at the restaurant Mansouria.
5) Lebanese lamb-stuffed eggplant (Batenjen Mehchi)
Eggplants are stuffed with a mixture of spiced lamb and rice, then simmered in tomato sauce in a rustic, cinnamon-scented dish.
Be sure to contact N1 – the best Johannesburg and Cape Town meat wholesalers – for all your lamb and other high-quality meat, Halaal fish and wholesale frozen vegetable needs.
