Author: Sun Gold Meats

You’ve picked out a lamb entree for your summer BBQ, but what comes next? It’s time to select a scrumptious summer side dish! It’s important to plan side dishes that really elevate your meal, and bring out the most of your lamb dining experience! You can do this easily with a couple of incredible accoutrements we’ve taste tested for you!

We’ve put together our top seven favourite side dishes that will pair perfectly with your next lamb meal. Adding a couple (or more!) will add a whole new level of flavour to your dish. This list showcases side dishes that we know pair well with our lamb recipes!

 1. Avocado Salsa 

Photo Source: https://cookieandkate.com/chunky-avocado-salsa-recipe/

Light, summery, and full of nutritious vegetables; Avocado Salsa is an easy side for your summer lamb entree. Minimum effort, maximum wow factor! This salsa is almost like a guacamole and summer salad hybrid. We searched far and wide, and our favourite rendition was definitely the one by Cookie and Kate. Their recipe includes just these six simple ingredients: 

1. Diced ripe avocado
2. Quartered cherry tomatoes
3. Chopped red onion
4. Chopped cilantro
5. Minced jalapeño
6. Fresh lime juice

All you need for preparation is a knife and a cutting board. Chop up all your ingredients and mix them together in a bowl. Next, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Keep it in the fridge till meal time (but not too long so the avocado doesn’t brown). 

In our recipe book, we usually pair this side dish with our Grilled Mojo Lamb Steaks. But, this easy dish can be turned into a ton of different appetizers. Use it as filling for tacos or burritos, serve it as dip with a side of chips.

2. Mango Apple Salad 

The last recipe was very veggie-heavy, so if you’re looking for something sweet, fruity, refreshing, and just as easy to prepare, then this Mango Apple Salad might be the side dish for you. 

All you need is: 

• 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) quartered cherry tomatoes
• 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted and sliced
• 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) lime juice
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
• 4 tsp (20 mL) brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) chopped toasted cashews

Just toss together the tomatoes, mango, apple, lime juice, olive oil, sugar and salt. Stir in with the fresh basil and green onions. This little side dish will add beautiful color to your plate that will impress your guests!

In the past, we’ve suggested mango apple salad as a base for one of our Lamb Kabob recipes, but it is delicious on its own. It’s a perfect side for any of our summer recipes.   

3. Grilled Lemon Garlic Asparagus 

Asparagus is a match made in heaven with our Cranberry Orange Lamb Chops, but also makes a healthy and mouth-watering side to any lamb meal. We decided to dive into a grilled asparagus recipe, so that you can prepare it effortlessly at your grill alongside your main course this summer. 

All you need, is: 

• 2 pounds of asparagus
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Three minced garlic cloves 
• One fresh lemon 
• Tin foil 

Here’s how you prepare it: 

1. Rinse, and trim the bottom of the asparagus 
2. Toss with salt, pepper, and olive oil 
3. Wrap in tin foil 
4. Leave on grill for 5-10 minutes until lightly charred and tender 
5. Toss with garlic minced and parmesan cheese 
6. Squeeze fresh lemon over your delectable asparagus 

4. Smoky Grilled Corn

In the theme of sides you can make on the grill, we found this irresistible Smoky Grilled Corn recipe through Cooking Light. It’s a leveled up version of the classic corn-on-the-cob that we recommend with our Lamb Surf and Turf. 

According to Cooking Light, you’ll need: 

• 2 1/2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter 
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper 
• 6 medium fresh corn ears 
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

Preparation is a super easy four-step process: 

1. Mix all of your ingredients, minus the chives and the corn, in a big bowl together 
2. Evenly brush the mixture across your six corn ears 
3. Place on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until soft and lightly charred 
4. Sprinkle corn with your chopped chives 

4. Veggie couscous salad 

This is yet another vegetarian summer salad to enjoy on a hot, sunny day. Preparation is a bit more complex than our previous two salad recommendations, but the time spent is absolutely worth it. 

Couscous is considered a ‘superfood.” It’s packed with nutrients and is a great source of plant-based protein. In addition to being absolutely scrumptious, it’s so healthy for you – bonus! 

Ingredients: 

• 3/4 cup (175 mL) couscous
• 1 small carrot, diced and blanched
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 cup (250 mL) halved grape tomatoes
• 1/2 yellow pepper, diced
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) diced red onion
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) finely chopped fresh parsley

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp (45 mL) yogurt
• 1 tsp (5 mL) lime zest
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) lime juice
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) honey
• 2 tsp (10 mL) harissa paste
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

Here’s what to do with your ingredients: 

1. Prepare couscous according to package directions
2. Prepare dressing: whisk together yogurt, lime zest, lime juice, oil, honey, harissa and salt.
3. Toss together couscous, carrot, zucchini, tomatoes, pepper, onion, parsley and dressing; transfer to serving dish.
4. Garnish salad with finely chopped almonds, pistachios or pine nuts.
5. Substitute pearl couscous for regular couscous if desired.
6. If you like, substitute mint for parsley.

The final step would usually be to top with our Lamb Kofta, but as a side suggestion we’ll make that optional. Serve it with any of your summer lamb favourites! 

5. Pea and Mint pesto 

Our Pea and Mint Pesto dip makes a creamy side for… pretty much anything. It’s an integral part of our Rack Lambsicles, but you can also use it as a dip for chips, veggies, naan, fries, potato wedges, or anything else you think could you use an extra kick of flavour!  

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• 1/2 cup (125 mL) frozen peas, thawed
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped fresh mint
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) lemon zest
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper

Preparation is effortless. Throw it all in a food processor, and blend until pureed. Serve with your choice of dish! Top with a sprig of mint to up the presentation. 

7. Seasoned Potato Wedges 

Okay burger lovers, it’s time for the side just for you. Seasoned potato wedges are the classic side to any BBQ burger. We picked out our favourite recipe, by myrecipes.com. 

According to their website, you’ll need: 

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 large russet potatoes, each cut into 8 wedges
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup minced fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, chive, dill, and Italian parsley

Here’s how to bring this recipe to life: 

1. Heat up the grill to medium 
2. Toss the potato wedges in the oil, salt, and pepper 
3. Grill the potatoes over direct medium heat, until they are golden brown and tender 
4. Take the potatoes off the grill, put them in a bowl, and mix them with the butter and mustard 
5. Garnish with herbs 

Try it with our Lamb Burgers with Smoked Cheddar and Caramelized Onions, or any of our other lamb burgers! We won’t fault you if you want to pair this with every meal you make, though. It’s truly that delicious. 
There you have it! Our top 7 summer side dishes that will take your summer lamb dinner to the next level. Be sure to tag us on Facebook & Instagram with your delectable summer creations.

Summer is here and it’s camping season. It’s time to spice up your next camping adventure with some gourmet (but easy to prepare) meals. If you’re not sure what to try, we’ve adapted some of our favourite lamb recipes to be streamlined and easy for camping, but just as delicious as always. 

Before you leave, make sure to: 

• Bring sufficient storage for your leftovers
• Bring all the required cooking equipment
• Pack dishwashing supplies 
• OPTIONAL: Prepare your ingredients in advance (slice and portion your veggies) 

 1. Mediterranean Lamb Burger 

Our Mediterranean Lamb Burger is a backyard BBQ classic and an easy meal to throw together at the campground. The tasty grilled eggplant, sprinkled with goat cheese, basil pesto, and packed arugula tastes truly gourmet… even though you could throw it together in the back of your RV, or over a fire in the middle of nowhere. 

Tools you’ll need to pack: 

• Fire pit cooking grate
• Cooler for food storage 
• Tupperware to hold ingredients 

Ingredients: 

• 4 patties SunGold Lamb Tonight Our Favourite Lamb Burger
• 4 slices eggplant
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices tomato
• 4 oz (125 g) goat cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) prepared basil pesto
• 1 1/3 cups (325 mL) packed arugula

Process: 

1. Start your fire and allow it to heat up.
2. Place patties and eggplant slices on the cooking grate. 
3. Turn patties and eggplant slices once, after 8 to 10 minutes or until grill-marked and burgers are cooked through.
4. Throw buns on the grill and let them toast to golden brown.
5. Assemble the buns, patties, and eggplants with sliced tomato, goat cheese, basil pesto, and arugula. 

To streamline even farther, prepare your topping portions in advance, or leave out the ones you deem a hassle to transport.

2. Lamb Shawarma with Romesco Dipping Sauce

Lamb kabobs are so easy to prepare on the go. Sungold Lamb Tonight Shawarma Lamb Kabobs come pre-made with skewers already included… so that’s one less thing to pack on your trip. If you’re able to do some prep for the romesco dipping sauce in advance, you’ll have a rich meal that serves four that takes under 20 minutes to cook when you’re actually out camping. So, here’s how to make some delicious Lamb Shawarma… 

Tools you’ll need to pack: 

• Fire pit cooking grate
• Pot to reheat romesco dipping sauce 
• Tin foil 
• Cooler for food storage 
• Tupperware to hold ingredients 

Ingredients: 

• 4 SunGold Lamb Shawarma kabobs (about 10 oz/300 g)
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh parsley

Romesco Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 red pepper, halved and seeded
• 2 plum tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) blanched almonds, toasted
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) cubed lightly toasted baguette or French loaf
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) hot pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) sherry or red wine vinegar

Process: 

BEFORE YOU LEAVE (ROMESCO SAUCE): 

1. Preheat broiler to high.
2. Place pepper and tomatoes, cut sides down on foil-lined baking sheet; brush with 4 tsp (20 mL) olive oil.
3. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until well charred.
4. Let cool enough to handle; peel away skins and chop.
5. In a food processor, chop garlic. Add almonds; pulse until finely chopped. Add paprika, hot pepper flakes, salt and pepper; process until fine.
6. Add reserved pepper and tomatoes; process until chunky. Add vinegar; pulse until combined. With the machine running, drizzle in remaining olive oil until smooth. 
7. Transfer to tupperware for storage.

AT THE CAMPSITE: 

1. Start your fire and allow it to heat up.
2. Transfer the romesco sauce from your tupperware into a small pot. Stir regularly and allow it to heat until warm. 
3. Place the Lamb Tonight lamb kabobs on the cooking grate.
4. Grill lamb kabobs, turning occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until grill-marked and cooked through. Tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.

Tip for the extra outdoorsy: If you want to immerse yourself even deeper in the outdoor cooking experience, try making the romesco sauce on your trip too! Swap out the food processor for a mortar and pestle, and bring a skillet to cook your vegetables in. It’s a lot more work this way, but it’ll definitely be a memorable and rewarding part of your trip. 

3. Charmoula Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lamb Merguez

Charmoula Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lamb Merguez sounds (and tastes) fancy, but it’s as easy to make as your regular camping meals. Think of the classic scene of roasting hotdogs over a campfire… but with some added spice. And some scrumptious roasted sweet potatoes. 

Tools you’ll need to pack: 

• Fire pit cooking grate
• Tin foil 
• Tongs 
• Hot dog skewers 
• Cooler for food storage 
• Tupperware to hold ingredients 

Ingredients: 

• 1 pkg (400 g) SunGold Merguez Lamb Sausage, cooked according to package directions
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) finely chopped fresh cilantro, divided
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) finely chopped fresh parsley
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) paprika
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
• 2 tsp (10 mL) lemon zest
• 2 tsp (10 mL) ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper
• 2 lb (1 kg) sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into chunks
• Lemon wedges

Process: 

BEFORE YOU LEAVE (SWEET POTATOES): 

1. In a large bowl, stir olive oil with half of the cilantro, parsley, garlic, paprika, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin, salt and pepper; toss with sweet potatoes until coated.
2. Store coated sweet potatoes in tupperware. 

AT THE CAMPSITE: 

1. Double wrap sweet potatoes in tin foil and place them in the hot coals. Allow them to bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and tender. Use tongs to gently remove them once they’re complete. 
2. Skewer the Merguez Lamb sausage and heat over the flames until it’s cooked through.

*Again, you can do all of the ‘before you leave’ steps at the campsite, but this is just suggested for those who want to save prep time.*

4. Rapini and Garlic Penne with Lamb Sausage

Rapini and Garlic Penne with Lamb Sausage is another recipe that takes a bit more time and effort with the campfire. The steps are pretty much identical to the steps you’d take at home, but in the fresh air over a campfire. If you don’t want to tackle boiling water over a fire, then we recommend bringing your propane camping stove for this one. 

Tools you’ll need to pack: 

• Propane camping stove 
• Fire pit cooking grate
• Cooler for food storage 
• Tupperware to hold ingredients 
• Pot to cook penne 
• Skillet 

Ingredients: 

• 1 pkg (340 g) SunGold Mild Italian Lamb Sausage, sliced
• 1 box (375 g) penne pasta
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 bunch rapini, trimmed and cut into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) tomato sauce
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch red chili flakes

Process: 

BEFORE YOU LEAVE (OPTIONAL): 

1. Portion your rapini and mix it with finely chopped onion, garlic cloves, and salt and pepper.

AT THE CAMPSITE: 

1. Start your fire and allow it to heat up OR set your propane camping stove to medium high.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. Drain, reserving 1/3 cup (75 mL) pasta water.
4. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat; cook sausage for 2 minutes or until it starts to brown.
5. Add rapini, onion, garlic, salt and pepper to skillet; cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables start to soften.
6. Stir in tomato sauce; bring to boil.
7. Reduce heat to low.
8. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until sausage is cooked and rapini is tender.
9. Add pasta and pasta water to skillet; toss until pasta is well coated.
10. Stir in 2 tbsp (30 mL) grated cheese.
11. Transfer to a serving platter; sprinkle chili flakes and remaining Parmesan cheese over top.

5. Lamb Donair with Seasoned Ground Lamb

To close out our list, we’re giving you another extra easy-to-make recipe. Lamb Donair with Seasoned Ground Lamb is a sweet, garlicky, protein-filled pita sandwich that will power you up for your summer hikes. 

Tools you’ll need to pack: 

• Fire pit cooking grate
• Cooler for food storage 
• Tupperware to hold ingredients 
• Skillet 
• Bamboo skewers 
• Potato masher 

Ingredients: 

• 1 pkg (350 g) SunGold Our Favourite Seasoned Lamb
• 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) shredded lettuce
• 1 cup (250 mL) chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) finely chopped white onions
• 4 large Greek-style pitas, warmed

Donair Sauce:

• 3 tbsp (45 mL) evaporated milk
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) granulated sugar
• 4 tsp (20 mL) white vinegar
• 3/4 tsp (3 mL) garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) mayonnaise

Process: 

BEFORE YOU LEAVE (DONAIR SAUCE) 

1. Mix together evaporated milk, sugar, vinegar, garlic powder and salt until smooth; stir in mayonnaise.
2. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

AT THE CAMPSITE: 

1. Start your fire and allow it to heat up. 
2. Using potato masher, mash ground lamb for about 1 minute or until mixture comes together; divide into 8 portions.
3. Shape each portion into an oval patty, about 2 inches (5 cm) long and 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick.
4. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat; fry patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Fold patties, lettuce, tomatoes and onions into pitas.
6. Drizzle with Donair Sauce.
7. Thread bamboo skewers through each pita to hold them together.
8. Serve with remaining sauce on the side.

Why bring Lamb Tonight on your next camping trip? 

Sungold’s Lamb Tonight products come conveniently packaged and pre-seasoned, which shortens your prep time – and allows you to spend more time adventuring! Of course, if you’re someone who likes to experiment with outdoor cooking, Lamb Tonight products work as a solid, nutritious base for fancier experimental meals.

There’s nothing like an ice cold beer on a hot summer day! No meal is really complete without the right beer pairing to go with your SunGold lamb recipe.

Want to know the secret? Finding the right beer pairing is all about balancing flavours. You want both your lamb and beer to stand out, so the key is to avoid matching flavours that are too similar. 

We get it – the beer industry has really exploded over the last few years. It’s hard to choose when there’s so much to choose from! Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and paired the perfect brews to your favourite SunGold recipes. 

Ready to get started? Hit the guide below! 

Belgian-Style Blonde Ale

Belgian-style Blonde Ale complements pasta dishes well. The fruity, slightly spicy flavour profile and high-carbonation provide an almost citrusy zap that sits perfectly with pasta dishes. 

Dish suggestion: Rapini and Garlic Penne with Lamb Sausage 

Our light and tasty Rapini and Garlic Penne with Lamb Sausage can be seriously elevated by the zesty profile of a Belgian Blonde. This beer is the ideal partner to the dish’s combination of mild Italian lamb sausage, garlicky goodness and parmesan cheese! Plus, a Belgian Blonde never hurts while you’re cooking, either! 

Beer Suggestion: New Limburg’s Belgian Blond

Our beer suggestion is New Limburg’s Belgian Blonde. Why? They’re a microbrewery out of Simcoe Ontario that specializes in Belgian-style beers. Who’s a better choice than the Belgian beer experts themselves? 

Dark Lager

Dark lagers are dark in colour and rich in flavour. The roasted malt results in a flavour that is neither hoppy nor bitter, but is often described as chocolatey. Dark lagers are rich, but not to the point of overpowering – which makes them a nice compliment to red meat.

Dish suggestion: Slow Cooker Lamb Goulash 

This dish (and beer) is for those cool and stormy summer nights! Classic Goulash is not complete without a dark beer next to it. Our Slow Cooker Lamb Goulash combines lamb shoulder, fresh vegetables, and smoky spices that will leave you wanting more! The best part? Throw everything in your slow cooker and leave those flavors to build all day long!

Beer suggestion: Fahr’s ‘Munich’

In following the German Goulash theme, it’s only appropriate to recommend a popular Canadian-German beer. Brewed out of Alberta (but authentically German nonetheless), Fahr’s ‘Munich’ contains notes of chocolate, coffee, and dark fruit that will complement your lamb dish perfectly. 

Porters

There are many different types of Porters, but they all have a few things in common: Dark, rich, and slightly (delicious!) bitter flavours. The notes of this beer can contain hints of licorice, caramel, toffee, chocolate, or coffee. These brews are often described as ‘smokey’ or ‘roasted.” Porters are often dark red or black in colour. 

Dish suggestion: Charmoula Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lamb Merguez

Porters do well paired with grilled or smoked sausages, and are nicely balanced with gently sweet flavours. That’s why we chose our Charmoula Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lamb Merguez as the ideal porter companion. The flavours of sweet potatoes and grilled lamb sausage are rounded out scrumptiously by the smokey, dark profile of a porter. 

Beer suggestion: Medicine Hat Brewing Company’s Brick and Mortar Porter 

Medicine Hat Brewing Company’s Brick and Mortar Porter exists somewhere between an English-style, and a robust porter. It’s smooth, sweet, and has little hints of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. 

Indian Pale Ale 

If you’re someone who loves hot food, pair a spicy dish with an Indian Pale Ale! It’ll really add something extra to the spice. The bitter hops of IPAs will add an extra delicious kick to any spicy dish you make.

*Fans of milder flavours, you might pair this dish with a light lager to offset the spice.*

Dish suggestion: Spicy Grilled Merguez and Red Onion Pizza

A few parts smoky, a few parts spicy, this do-it-yourself pizza is a great option to share with family and friends over a couple of IPAs. This recipe calls for our Lamb Tonight Merguez Lamb Sausages, which are pre-seasoned, gluten free and super convenient! 

PRO TIP: Grilling this pizza adds a nice smoky flavour and chars the crust for a crisp and tasty finish.

Beer Suggestion: Legend 7 Brewing’s ‘Temptation’ 

Source: https://www.colehofstra.com/calgary-beer-photography/

Our IPA of the day is Legend 7 Brewings ‘Temptation.” In addition to coming in a really cool looking bottle, it’s got some delicious flavour profiles. It can be described as floral and piney with a ‘well-balanced’ bitterness. 
If you’d like to learn more about drink and lamb pairings, check out our Ultimate Lamb and Wine Pairing Guide, as well as some of our Favourite Drinks Paired With Your Favourite Lamb.