A Lamb Crown Roast is an impressive and elegant dish, perfect for special occasions. Here’s a recipe to guide you through the process:
Lamb Crown Roast Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
Lamb:
- 2 racks of lamb (each rack with 7-8 ribs, Frenched)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Herb Rub:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Stuffing (Optional):
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the lamb:
- Start by preparing the lamb racks. If they aren’t already Frenched (cleaning the bones), ask your butcher to do it, or carefully do it yourself.
- Stand the two racks up and curve them into a crown shape, with the meat side out and the bones up. Use kitchen twine to tie the racks together at the base and where the bones meet. It should form a circular crown shape.
3. Season the lamb:
- Rub the crown with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Prepare the herb rub:
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Rub this mixture all over the lamb.
5. Stuff the crown (Optional):
- If you want to include stuffing, mix all the stuffing ingredients together in a bowl. Form the stuffing into a ball or small mound and place it in the center of the crown.
6. Roast the lamb:
- Place the crown roast in a roasting pan. If using stuffing, position it in the center of the crown.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare. If you prefer it more well-done, cook to 140-145°F (60-63°C).
7. Rest and serve:
- Remove the roast from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for about 15 minutes before carving.
- To serve, cut the kitchen twine and slice between the ribs to serve individual chops.
Tips:
- Accompaniments: Lamb Crown Roast pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
- Wine Pairing: A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah complements the rich flavors of the lamb.
Enjoy your impressive and delicious Lamb Crown Roast!
Download Recipe/pdf
Benefits of Eating Lamb or Mutton
Nutritional Benefits of Lamb or Mutton
Lamb and mutton, the meat of sheep, offer a range of nutritional benefits, making them a valuable addition to a healthy diet. Here are some of the key advantages:
- High in Calories and Protein: 100 grams of roasted lamb provide approximately 258 calories and 25.6 grams of protein. Protein is essential for supplying the amino acids needed for growth, tissue repair, and muscle building.
- Source of Unsaturated Fats: Lamb and mutton contain unsaturated fats, such as linoleic acid, which offer numerous benefits, including improved athletic performance and protection against various diseases.
- Rich in Vitamin B-12: Lamb and mutton are excellent sources of vitamin B-12, which is crucial for brain development and function.
- Provides Selenium: Lamb and mutton contain selenium, an antioxidant with various health benefits.
- Source of Zinc: Lamb and mutton provide zinc, an essential mineral involved in regulating hormones and other bodily functions.
- Contains Vitamin B-3: Lamb and mutton contribute to vitamin B-3 intake, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Rich in Iron: Lamb and mutton are excellent sources of iron, preventing anemia, a condition characterized by iron deficiency.
Additional Benefits:
- Supports healthy bones due to the presence of calcium and phosphorus.
- May aid in weight management as it promotes satiety and helps build muscle mass.
- Contributes to a healthy immune system due to the presence of zinc and other nutrients.
Please note: It is important to consume lamb and mutton in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Excessive consumption of red meat has been linked to an increased risk of certain health problems.