This Year, Treat Yourself to Quebec Lamb

The holidays are often synonymous with anxiety for many families in Quebec. Who is hosting? Who is handling the gift exchange? Then, the burning question: what are we going to eat? With the succession of family dinners, sometimes it’s not clear how to create an original menu year after year. To bring a wonderful end to 2019, why not cook Quebec lamb!

There are several culinary myths associated with lamb. For example, it has the reputation of being a meat that is difficult to prepare. However, it’s all in how you cook it. Certain cuts, like leg of lamb or lamb shank, benefit from being braised for an extended period at low heat. While sometimes overcooked, lamb becomes tougher, as with lamb chops, for example. On the other hand, when slightly pink or braised, this meat melts in your mouth.

Need inspiration? Here are four perfect recipes for New Year’s Eve.

Leg of Lamb: Tender and Delicious

What can you say about leg of lamb? This cut is without a doubt the best known. Recognized for its legendary tenderness, Quebec leg of lamb is perfect for slow braising. Forget your knife, since, as they say: ‘you can cut it with your fork.’ Make your leg of lamb as lively as it should be with a pair of unforgettable flavours: port wine and maple. Chef’s tip: remove the leg of lamb from the refrigerator one hour before placing it in the oven.

Discover the complete recipe for Port Wine and Maple Braised Lamb here.

 

Lamb Shank: Simmer to Perfection

When hosting a large group, it can become difficult to manage everything in the kitchen, especially when it comes to the cooking. To make the task a little bit easier, say hello to your best ally: the slow cooker. Sear the lamb shank in a mix of butter, garlic, and thyme and then drop it right in the slow cooker. No need to talk about it now for another eight hours! Chef’s tip: generously sprinkle the lamb shank with flavoured butter during the first part of the cooking phase.

For a list of ingredients and preparation steps for the Braised Lamb Shank recipe, click here.

 

Rack of Lamb: As Imposing as It Is Flavourful

Get a real WOW effect at your New Year’s Eve buffet by opting for a rack of lamb. Its unique cut is worthy of a dish made by Ricardo. To ensure outstanding results, just ask the butcher to lightly skim the fat off of the rack in order to expose the tips of the bones. Served with a plate of grilled vegetables and accompanied by a Moroccan-style couscous, your rack of lamb will definitely not go unnoticed.

The Rack of Lamb with Vegetables and Coriander recipe can be found here.

 

Sliced Leg of Lamb: Ideal for Two

Want an intimate New Year’s Eve? There’s nothing like celebrating the holidays in your own little cocoon with the one you love. For this occasion, put down your big cooking pots and just go with a sliced leg of lamb recipe accompanied by a red wine sauce and polenta. Often overlooked, Polenta is a side of choice for meat dishes!

Surprise your better half this holiday season with the best-sliced leg of lamb recipe. The complete recipe can be found here.

 

All of the recipes presented here and more available on www.agneauduquebec.com