Stuffed crown lamb roast
Crown roast of lamb, filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and rice, is certainly a dish worthy of celebrations. This recipe not only offers a unique culinary experience but also brings a touch of elegance to festive tables, making it the perfect choice for Easter or other special occasions. Let’s begin our culinary journey!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the lamb roast:
- 1 lamb carcass (approximately 1.5 - 2 kg)
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Herbs (thyme, rosemary, mint, oregano)
- 250 ml red wine
- 4-5 garlic cloves (or more, if you like)
For the filling:
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 celery (or 1 small celery), peeled and diced
- 250 g mushrooms, quartered
- 500 g rice
- 300 ml chicken broth (or vegetable)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 sprig of rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crushed green peppercorns
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the meat
1. Cleaning and preparing the meat: Start by removing the skin from the lamb breast. Using your hands, open the lamb carcass, being careful not to cut the meat.
2. Cutting the ribs: With a sharp knife, cut the ribs from the spine, ensuring not to cut the meat off them. Remove the spine and clean any leftover bone fragments.
3. Scoring the skin: Score the skin on the ribs, being careful not to reach the meat, just enough to insert the filling.
4. Marinating the meat: In a bowl, mix the wine, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, crushed garlic, and herbs. Let the lamb marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the crushed green peppercorns, chopped onion, diced celery, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until soft.
2. Cooking the rice: In another pot, add the rice and sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and mix well. Cook over medium heat, adding extra broth if necessary. Once the rice is cooked, season with salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary.
3. Finalizing the filling: Once the rice has cooled slightly, add the beaten eggs and chopped parsley. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
Step 3: Assembling and baking
1. Forming the crown: Tie the base of the crown from the lamb carcass with string to create an even opening. Brush the carcass with olive oil and cover the ends of the bones with aluminum foil to protect them from burning.
2. Filling: Fill the crown with the rice and vegetable mixture, ensuring it is well packed.
3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the filled crown in a baking dish and bake for 1 hour. Check occasionally, adding a little wine or water if necessary.
4. Finishing: After an hour, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.
Useful tips
- Marinating: Marinating the meat for a longer period (even overnight) will intensify the flavors and make the meat more tender.
- Filling: You can experiment with the filling by adding chopped nuts or raisins, which will provide a sweet-tart taste.
- Serving: Offer side dishes such as mashed potatoes or mint sauce, which will add a refreshing note to your dish.
Nutritional information
Crown roast of lamb is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals. Additionally, consuming lamb can provide health benefits such as improving the immune system and skin health. A serving of lamb roast contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the portion and ingredients used.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can substitute lamb with pork or chicken, but the cooking time will vary.
- How can I make the roast spicier? Add chili peppers or spicy seasonings to the filling or marinade.
- What is the best way to check the meat's doneness? Use a meat thermometer; lamb should reach an internal temperature of 70°C to be properly cooked.
I hope this recipe for crown roast of lamb filled will inspire you to prepare it and enjoy delicious moments with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 1 lamb carcass olive oil salt herbs (thyme, rosemary, mint, oregano) red wine garlic For the filling: 4 tablespoons of butter 1 medium onion green pepper 1/2 celery if large, or one small 300ml chicken broth 1 sprig of rosemary 500g rice 2 eggs salt, pepper 1 bunch of fresh parsley 250g mushrooms fatty ham (kaiser)
