Ramadan is a month of fasting and spiritual reflection observed by Muslims all over the world. During this month, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from sunrise to sunset. It is a time to strengthen one’s faith, practice self-discipline, and engage in acts of charity and kindness.

Ramadan is also a time for family values and togetherness. Muslims often break their fast with their families and loved ones, sharing meals and spending time together. It is a time to connect with family, friends, and the community, and to appreciate the blessings of life.

Food plays a significant role in Ramadan, as Muslims break their fast with a meal called iftar. It is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy delicious and nutritious food after a long day of fasting. Lamb is a popular choice for iftar meals as it is a great source of protein and essential nutrients. These five lamb recipes using our certified halal lamb are not only nutritious and flavorful but also perfect for celebrating Ramadan with family and loved ones.

Lamb Kofta with Veggie Couscous Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a Ramadan iftar. This recipe features juicy and flavorful kofta made with Sungold Meats ground lamb. The kofta is grilled and served with a fresh and colorful veggie couscous salad that complements the dish perfectly.

Curried Lamb Kabobs with Biryani Rice

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4

These Curried Lamb Kabobs with Biryani Rice are a tasty and satisfying meal that is perfect for either suhoor or iftar and will give you the energy you need during the long day of fasting. The lamb kabobs are marinated in a delicious blend of spices and yogurt, giving them a juicy and tender texture. They are then grilled to perfection and served with biryani rice, a fragrant and flavorful rice dish.

Braised Lamb with Capers, Lemon, and Olives is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for a special iftar meal. The lamb is braised in a flavorful broth with capers, lemon, and olives, giving it a tangy and savory taste. It is served with couscous or rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Lamb Kabobs with Mango Apple Salad is a quick refreshing meal that is made in 25 minutes perfect for after a long day. The lamb kabobs are marinated in a mixture of spices and yogurt, giving them a delicious and tender texture. They are then grilled to perfection and served with a sweet and tangy mango apple salad, making it a perfect balance of flavors.

Pistachio Lime Crusted Rack of Lamb is an elegant and sophisticated dish that is perfect for a special iftar meal. The rack of lamb is coated in a pistachio and lime crust, giving it a crunchy and flavorful texture. It is then roasted to perfection and served with a side of roasted vegetables, making it a delicious and complete meal.

Regarding environmentalism, there are a few things that everyone can do to help out. One of those things is by making environmentally-conscious choices about the food you’re purchasing. After all, the food you eat every day has a massive impact on the environment! If you’re interested in sustainable food, a great first step is supporting local farms. Locally-sourced food is a huge part of environmental sustainability and an easy way for you to help reduce your carbon footprint.

What Does ‘Local Farms’ Really Mean?

Supporting local farms means buying from food producers who are geographically close to you. If you’re in Alberta, then every time you buy Sungold Meats you’re supporting local farms: all of Sungold’s producers are working hard across the prairies of Alberta. 

Buying local produce and meats is really in your best interest:

• Local meats are fresher. Transporting food over long distances means a lot of food spoils along the way.
• Buying local offers you reassurance. You know the source of your food: you can be assured that the producers are humane.
• Local meats are affordable. By cutting out the middleman, Sungold can offer you some great deals on its products.

How Does Supporting Local Farms Help The Environment?

Reduce Emissions from Transport 

Supporting local farms means that you are buying your food from someone who is nearby, thus reducing the amount of transportation (and gas) required to transport that food to your table. A reduction in fuel used to transport the meat also means a reduction in the number of fossil fuels being used and subsequently released into the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas. 

Farmers as Stewards of the Land

Alberta has a long history of innovation and sustainability in farming. Alberta’s land supports many diverse farming industries, including livestock production, beef, wheat, canola, barley and sugar beets. This diversity provides stability and opportunities for Alberta farmers to innovate. Albertan farmers are stewards of Alberta’s land. Farmers who adhere to sustainable farm practices are concerned with improving soil quality, conserving soil and water, protecting air quality, and minimizing their use of fossil fuels and nonrenewable resources. Farming also ensures the land’s continued maintenance and use and protects it from new developments or growing urban sprawl. 

Support Animal Welfare

Sustainable farmers prioritize the treatment of their livestock. For example, all of Sungold’s lamb is  Halal-certified and all of our producers centre the humane treatment of animals in their practices. This means animal welfare is central at all animal life stages. From birth to harvest, every lamb is raised with love, care, and respect.

What are the benefits of supporting local farms?

Supporting local is all about supporting local workers and building community. The money that you spend on local food and goods goes right back into your community instead of going to a huge corporation’s pockets. This ultimately contributes to the local economy, creating more jobs and income. You’re not just supporting the environment, but your local community as well!

And, who can resist supporting family farms? You get to know the people behind your food, and you know that you’re buying your food from someone who cares about it as much as you do. Meet some of Sungold’s farmers: 

Polson’s Farm

Tees, Alberta

Nathanael and Christine Polson and their four children Karina, Natalea, Jenica and Wyatt have been farming since 2000. As any farmer knows, farming can be full of ups and downs and the Polsons are no strangers to that. Nathanael credits the support of his family and neighbours for the success and longevity of his farm.

Learn more about Polson’s Farm HERE.

Spring Creek Acres 

Ponoka, AB 

CJ & Jolanda Ten Haaf have been dedicated to lamb farming in Canada for the past 10 years, and believe in a prosperous future for Canadian Lamb farming. They know that consumers are looking for locally produced food, and are committed to providing that for Albertans. 

Learn more about Spring Creek Acres HERE. 

SunGold supports Local Businesses throughout Western Canada!

Sungold participates in many programs to help build and sustain buy local initiatives. Sungold strongly believes that in order to support our farmers we also need to support our local butcheries and family-owned restaurants. We work closely with over 50 small businesses to distribute our products to ethnic communities throughout Canada and to help support local businesses. 

Localize your food program

Localize program allows consumers to quickly gain in-store access to transparent information on product origins. In a time when consumers are demanding accurate and reliable information about the food products they buy and eat, Sungold strives to provide the best product to meet consumer needs. Sungold strongly believes that through authentic engagement we can empower consumers to make the best decisions both for their health and their lifestyle. 

Where can I Buy Locally Produced Lamb? 

One way Well, one way is by buying Sungold Meats! Sungold Meats are available at a variety of grocery stores across the province. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we make sure that every part of the Lamb gets used. We have everything from classic favourites like lamb legs, rack, and loins, to delicacies like sundries and offals. 

 Get your SunGold Premium Lamb at one of these fantastic locations near you!

 Sobeys | Safeway | Farm Boy | Co-op | CO-OP | Thrifty Foods | T&T | Sysco | Metro | Gordon Food Services

At CLP, we stand behind our Art, Science, and Design of Great Tasting Lamb. As a fully vertically integrated company, we breed and select the highest quality lambs finished on a grain diet to provide a slightly milder taste and a higher meat-to-bone ratio. We utilize innovative processing and packaging technologies to provide better yields and enhance the colour, tenderness, and juiciness of our product, maximizing quality and consistency.

The Art. 

The art comes from all the individual processes that must work in synchronization to build a successful product. We recognize that to achieve the perfect product we require the input and variety of experiences from our farms all the way to our customers. We rely on our farms to breed healthy and stress-free livestock, promote growth and maintain an environment that is sustainable. This can be especially difficult in the climate of Canadian winters when conditions are far from ideal. We also work extensively with producers across western Canada which we refer to as our“ Growth Group”. With this group, we aim to provide extensive support and create uniformity and consistency within our product offerings.

The Science.

Utilizing revolutionary technologies, we can ensure a humane crop cycle from farm to table. From the moment a lamb is born on one of our farms across Western Canada until they are processed, we ensure that our livestock is treated humanely and with the highest level of consideration for animal welfare. Inside our processing plant alongside our supremely talented team of meat artisans, we utilize state-of-the-art processing and chilling technology to stabilize meat PH levels. Necessary in delivering superior colour, tenderness, and juiciness consistently.

The Design.

As a fully vertically integrated company, we have oversight on every stage of the lamb production process. As such we have invested in a heavily monitored breeding program that allows us to build a flock of specific breeds to create a consistent and milder product. Alongside a strict grain-finished dieting program we can produce and select the highest quality lambs that will provide a slightly milder taste and yield a higher meat-to-bone ratio. Not only will you be tasting the best quality lamb, but you will also be getting the value of paying for more meat, not bone.

The Product. 

Delicious, ethical, halal-certified lamb is for everyone. We package and distribute our product with you in mind. We’ve made sure to offer cuts of lamb for people of all tastes and experience levels. We offer classic cuts of lamb, gourmet cuts, as well as our Lamb Tonight line for those who prefer quick and easy meal preparation without giving up on quality or taste. Regardless of what cut of lamb, you choose to try we are confident you will find our lamb easy and approachable in the kitchen. Impress your guests!

Classic Cuts of Lamb 

Lamb Leg Tender and juicy with a robust flavour – Lamb’s leg come in a convenient size that’s easy to manage. Delectable when slow roasted.

Rack of Lamb Roasted Rack of lamb makes a delicious and elegant meal. Although it takes a bit of time to prepare, it is worth the wait. You can have this dish at any time of the year, but if you really want to impress your guests, then serve it at a dinner party.

Lamb Loin Lamb loin is a tender cut that you can cook to perfection within a short period of time. You can roast it, braise it or grill it. If you’d like to prepare a more difficult meal, then you should consider adding some extra ingredients to your lamb loin and make a tasty stew.

Lamb Shoulder Lamb shoulder is ideal for slow cooking and casserole. It is ideal for cold weather as it keeps you warm and nourished. It is not only delicious but also healthy, nutritious and economical. 

Gourmet Cuts: Lamb Offals 

Our products are made gourmet-dish ready. Lamb Offals are one of the most delicious parts of the Lamb and are often viewed as delicacies. These parts of the lamb are nutrient-dense and can make a nice side for your next gourmet meal. It’s five-star restaurant quality, but you can order and prepare at home. 

Lamb Liver Lamb liver is a somewhat underutilized part of the animal, making it a unique option for adventurous dinners. It’s a great source of B vitamins, iron, and protein. They’re great pan-fried or prepared as a curry. 

Lamb Heart Lamb hearts tend to be lower in fat and cholesterol than chicken or turkey hearts. Lamb’s hearts are also easy to prepare and cook, making them a great option for busy meals. Keep in mind that some preparation is required because fresh lamb heart must be cleaned before it is cooked. Perfect for a nutrient-dense stew! 

Image source: https://thetopmeal.com/lamb-heart-stew

Lamb Kidney Lamb kidneys are fantastic. Most people who try them are surprised at how delicious they can be! They’re great as a part of a cold starter platter, or hot on the grill. They also go great on toast. 

Lamb Made Easy: Lamb Tonight 

Everyone deserves delicious lamb. If you’re new to cooking or have a lifestyle that is constantly on the go, we’ve thought of you too. If you want your lamb made easy and instant (while still remaining fresh and tasty), we’d recommend our pre-seasoned Lamb Tonight line. 

Lamb Kebabs Our lamb kabobs comes pre-seasoned and ready to cook. Choose either shawarma, souvlaki, or kofta ground lamb kebobs. 

Lamb Burgers Delicious natural seasoning gives our lamb tonight burgers an extra kick! Throw it on the grill like you would any other burger (but it’s not like any other one, you’re in for a treat). 

Lamb Meatballs Add Italian-style or Mediterranean-style meatballs as a topping or side for your next meal. 

A commitment to sustainability. 

In our commitment to sustainability, we’re doing our best to ensure that nothing goes to waste. This means making use of the entire lamb. Lamb sundries can also be purchased either in vacuum packages or in bulk. 

A well-prepared rack of lamb is the ultimate entree for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner date. Focaccia Crusted Rack of Lamb a little taste of gourmet cooking, encrusted with fresh rosemary and delectable focaccia bread – but it’s something you can easily do yourself.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Serves: 2

The perfect rack of lamb is only 40 minutes away, and is ready to serve you and your love at your Valentine’s Day dinner (with leftovers too). What’s more romantic than taking your partner out to a fancy restaurant? Cooking it yourself, of course. Nothing says “I love you” like the time, effort, and thoughtfulness that goes into preparing a fine dining experience at home. 

Whether you’re new to cooking lamb or you’re experienced and just looking for a new recipe to try, you’re in the right place. If you’re new to lamb, there’s no need to worry! We know lamb can seem intimidating at first, especially if you want to get it right for your date night. But, don’t fret, Sungold lamb is simple. In fact, our lamb is comparable to cooking grain-fed beef. We’ve put together this foolproof guide to your perfect rack of lamb – anyone can prepare this delicious gourmet meal. 

First step! Get your ingredients.

Roasting the Perfect Rack of Lamb

TIP: The first stage of a gourmet lamb meal is to, of course, prepare Sungold’s scrumptious Rack of Lamb. Rack of lamb is extremely tender and flavourful, so you’ll want to look for a quality cut of lamb with sophisticated flavor profiles. Sungold’s Rack of Lamb IS the premium option, it is grain-finished for a consistent flavor, texture, and tenderness. Only the best for your loved one!

1. Get prepped

First step is always to gather your ingredients. Pay close attention to quality! Go the extra mile and buy local – attention to detail shows your significant other how much you care. 

Ingredients List:

• SunGold Frenched Lamb Rack 8 bones (1 lb 5 oz/453g)
• 1 cloves garlic
• 1 cup (250 mL) cubed day-old herb or plain focaccia bread
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil, divided
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) prepared olive tapenade
• 1/2 tbsp (7.5 mL) Dijon mustard

After you’re done grocery shopping for the big day, lay out your ingredients in a way that’s easy for you to access.

Once you’re prepped and ready to go, preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Pulse rosemary, bread, and garlic in your food processor

In a food processor, pulse your garlic until ground. Add cubed bread and rosemary; and continue to pulse until ground. You’re looking for that sweet spot where the crumbs are crumbly and not too fine, but also not so big that they won’t bake to your rack of lamb. 

Drizzle with 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil to moisten crumbs and transfer the mix to the baking sheet you prepared earlier. 

Did you know: Rosemary has historically been used as a symbol of love. It’s the perfect herb for Valentine’s Day! 

3. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until toasted

Once you’ve laid this delicious rosemary breading out on some parchment paper, throw it in the oven for five to seven minutes until it’s slightly golden brown. 

Make sure to let it cool completely before using it in step six.

4. Season lamb with salt and pepper

Lightly sprinkle the rack of lamb with salt and pepper in preparation for the skillet – to your personal fine tastes of course. 

5. Sear your seasoned lamb

Now onto cooking your lamb. Don’t worry, it’s easy! 

Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium. Sear your lamb, fat side down, for about 3 to 4 minutes each side until brown. 

Before moving on, let it cool slightly.

6. Mix your tapenade and glaze your rack of lamb

Phew, the hardest part is over. 

Next, stir your tapenade in with the dijon mustard until it’s evenly mixed. 

Brush it evenly over the fat side of your racks of lamb, and then coat them in the crumb mixture.

7. Roast your rack of lamb

Put your breaded rack of lamb into the oven on a sheet of parchment paper. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes for medium-rare or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center without touching bone registers internal temperature of 145F (63C). Or, if you’re a fan of other preparations, cook to your desired doneness.

TIP: For Sungold lamb, we recommend medium-rare to medium for optimal flavor profile. In fact, the longer you cook lamb, the stronger the taste of lamb will be drawn out!

8. Voila! Your rack of lamb is complete

Pull your rack of lamb out of the oven. Next, let it stand for 10 minutes. This will ensure the juices and flavor stay within the meat and will reduce the amount of moisture that bleeds out at the time of cutting. (Also, so you don’t burn yourself). Next, cut between the bones at the bottom of the muscle (the thickest point) by fitting your knife between the bones to cut the perfect portion. This should be a gentle process and requires very little effort.

Nutrition Facts (Per 1/4 Recipe) 

• Calories: 290
• Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrate: 17g
• Protein: 13g

Pick the Perfect Side Dish for your Rack of Lamb

Your lamb is done, but it’s not a true fine dining experience without some sides to compliment your entree. You don’t want your date to think you only put in a half effort!   
Our personal favorite side for this dish is the Cherry Tomato Salad. But, there are plenty of other side dishes that would pair well.

Your lamb is done, but it’s not a true fine dining experience without some sides to compliment your entree. You don’t want your date to think you only put in a half effort!   
Our personal favorite side for this dish is the Cherry Tomato Salad. But, there are plenty of other side dishes that would pair well.

Pair Wine With Your Rack of Lamb

The final piece of your idyllic date night is a glass of red wine to go with your meal. Is it really Valentine’s Day without red wine at your candle lit dinner? 

So, how do you pair wine with a Focaccia Crusted Rack of Lamb? We’ve got a whole wine pairing guide for you to check out, but we’ll streamline the process for you. 
Pinot Noir is the best match for a rack of lamb. This dry, light-to medium-bodied wine has complex, fruity, flavors that have echoes of raspberry and cherry. While this wine is fruity, Pinot Noir isn’t extremely sweet, making it the ideal match for the full flavors of high quality lamb rack. Pinot Noir also subtly complements the flavor of the rosemary in the lamb’s focaccia breading. There couldn’t be a better match for this dish!

Bonus: Start Planning Your Next Gourmet Lamb Dinner

What’s the best way to celebrate a successful romantic date night? Start planning the next one! Cooking gourmet isn’t just about the food, it’s about the beautiful memories you create in the process. 
The Sungold blog is regularly updated with new recipes, tips, and tricks for preparing a delicious lamb meal. Find high quality cuts of premium lamb all year round at a grocery store near you.