5 Lamb Recipes To Have During Ramadan

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.

Lamb Holiday Meal Ideas – Incorporate Lamb Into Your Holiday Feast!

The winter holidays are right around the corner and it’s time to start planning some celebratory feasts (this year involving delicious lamb)! 

 Dinner table set up for a fancy holiday meal with red and green candles, a red and black checkered table cloth.
Photo source: https://unsplash.com/photos/tu0nCdW7V4o

This holiday season is a time to create unforgettable memories with the people you love. Invite friends and family over to your house or apartment and get the party started. Or, treat yourself to a gourmet dining experience and enjoy some much-needed alone time, maybe by your fireplace. 

In need of some inspiration? That’s why we’re here! We’ve put together a list of lamb recipes to try out this holiday season. 

Holiday Lamb Mains Courses 

1. Coffee Rubbed Ribs 

Image source and recipe: https://sungoldmeats.com/coffee-rubbed-lamb-ribs/

Honestly, hearty rack ribs make the best centrepiece for dinner tables during the holidays. This year, try Sungold’s signature Coffee Rubbed Lamb Ribs. The flavour-packed coating is a blend of espresso, chilli powder, brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper. The brown sugar and espresso flavours will complement your selection of holiday drinks like hot chocolate or eggnog. 

First step? Buy some Sungold Rack of Lamb ribs and try out this recipe today! 

2. Roasted Lamb with Carrots and Potatoes 

Roasted lamb shanks with peas, carrots, and potatoes with fresh herbs garnishing the top served on an oval-shaped white platter.
Image source and recipe: https://eatsmarter.com/recipes/roast-lamb-with-carrots-and-potatoes

Simple, but a classic! Roasted lamb with potatoes, carrots, and peas is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will be sure to impress your guests. You will find this dish to be a classic because it is full of flavour and it’s so easy to make. Lambs are naturally packed with flavour, so we don’t have to add a lot of seasoning to the meat itself. The carrots and peas add a slight sweetness to the dish and the herbs bring all the flavours together.

This dish is perfect for a special occasion or even a simple weeknight meal if you feel like getting a bit of a festival this holiday season. It can be served with a variety of sides, but we like to keep it simple with some mashed potatoes and a green salad.

Roasted lamb with carrots and peas is a dish that you will want to make again and again. It’s flavorful, it’s easy, and it’s absolutely delicious!

Sungold offers plenty of options for lamb shanks. Try out some Alberta lamb this holiday season!  

3. Sweet Potato Bowls with Lamb and Mushrooms 

Sweet potato, lamb, onions, mushrooms, and greens served on an off-white plate against a tan background.
Image source and recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/sweet-potato-bowls

Sweet potatoes are a staple holiday flavour. They make for a flavourful bowl with lamb and mushrooms. It’s a comforting wintertime dish! 

This recipe is flavour-packed and an instant hit, but it’s possible to make in just 30 minutes. Throw it into bowls for a casual last-minute get-together, or serve on your best plates at your more fancy planned events. 

This recipe requires ground lamb, which you can purchase premade! Sungold has lean ground lamb in our Lamb Tonight line. 

4. Lamb, Chestnut, and Cranberry Stew 

Red-coloured lamb stew garnished greens served in a white bowl with handles, against a white wood background.
Image source and recipe: https://feed-your-sole.com/lamb-chestnut-cranberry-stew/

Chestnut and cranberry are some classic holiday flavours. Together with lamb, they make a scrumptious holiday stew to enjoy by the fire. This recipe uses diced lamb shoulder or leg, which is cooked with shallots, mushrooms, and tomatoes, with fresh cranberries, chestnuts and a touch of thyme. To round out the dish, add a side of creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ll have a perfect winter meal.

5. Stuffed Leg of Lamb with Rosemary and Pine Nuts 

 Leg of lamb sliced into thin slices to reveal stuffing filling the centre of the meat. Served on a wooden platter with a gravy boat of gravy in the background.
Image source: https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/lamb-recipes/stuffed-leg-of-lamb-with-rosemary-and-pine-nuts/

Recipe: https://sungoldmeats.com/stuffed-lamb-leg/

How about a twist on Sungold’s classic Stuffed Leg of Lamb recipe

Stuffing is arguably the best part of any holiday dinner. Take your meals to the next level and make a Stuffed Leg of Lamb – but this time with Christmas stuffing! Take our classic recipe, and replace it with some delicious holiday stuffing. The stuffing creates a fragrant, scrumptious filling on the inside of the lamb while the meat remains moist and tender. This roasted leg of lamb is easy to make, beautiful to look at, and sure to impress any dinner guest.

Treat your family to a holiday dinner that demands to be remembered. Provide a warm, gourmet meal and compliment it with a glass of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. It is sure to be a hit with the entire family. If you’re looking for wines to pair, check out our Ultimate Wine Pairing Guide

In need of some locally made leg of lamb? Sungold has got you

6. Skillet Lamb Roast with Cognac Pan Sauce

Image source and recipe: https://sungoldmeats.com/skillet-lamb-roast-with-cognac-pan-sauce/

We saved the most holiday-themed for last! Your winter holiday is not complete without a gourmet Skillet Lamb Roast. The prep time is only ten minutes and gives you and your guests 50 minutes of cook time to hang out, relax, and enjoy a drink or two by the fire. If your guests hadn’t seen you put it in the oven ten minutes earlier, they might think you ordered this in from a gourmet restaurant down the block. 

If you’ve got extra time on your hands and want to make it even more gourmet, make your own sauce by following a Cognac Sauce recipe! Nothing beats the complex flavours of homemade sauces. 

What are you waiting for? Pick up some Sungold Lamb, grab your skillet, and get roasting! 

Holiday Lamb Appetizers 

1. Minted Lamb Puff Pastry Bites 

Breaded pastry bites filled with minced lamb meat served on a black plate. A larger bowl of lamb pastry bites are in the background.
Image source and recipe: https://www.puffpastry.com/recipe/minted-lamb-puff-pastry-bites/

You know what goes well with Christmas? Mint. Do you know what goes well with mint? Lamb, actually. The flavours are extremely complementary. Combined together, minced lamb, green onions, mint, garlic, and black pepper make a scrumptious filling for pastry bites. 

2. Lambs in a Blanket with Cilantro Yogurt 

 Lamb sausage wrapped in breading lined up rows against a white background, sprinkled with sesame seeds. Green cilantro yogurt is in the bottom right hand corner. 
Image source and recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/lambs-blanket-cilantro-yogurt

This is a gourmet twist on the holiday classic ‘pigs in a blanket’. Sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with creamy cilantro yogurt, this is the perfect appetizer to bring to a potluck or get-together. 

The recipe calls for Merguez sausage, and you’re in luck. Sungold’s Lamb Tonight line has a Merguez sausage ready-made for you to use. 

3. Lamb Cocktail Meatballs 

Meatballs coated in red cocktail sauce, sprinkled with greens, served on an oval white platter on a brown wooden table.
Image source and recipe: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a23694828/cocktail-meatballs/

The recipe we linked uses ground beef, but our Lamb Tonight meatballs are an easy sub-in. Using Lamb Tonight products streamlines the process since they come pre-made, seasoning and all. 

Of course, if you’re someone who loves making everything from scratch, you can use our lean ground lamb and make the meatballs yourself. 

So many classic holiday meals could be taken to the next level with lamb subbed in over other meats. Get experimental with this season’s holiday meals and pick up some Alberta-raised lamb

How Supporting Local is a Part of Environmental Sustainability

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.

A farm in the country
Photo source: https://pixabay.com/photos/alberta-canada-landscape-scenic-94928/

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 

Spring Creek Farmers

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!

Locations to buy sungold meat. Sobeys, safeway, farm boy, coop,thrifty foods, T&T, Sysco, Metro Gordon

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

 

Great Tasting Lamb: The Art, Science, and Design

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.

Western Canadian Farmer standing by a fence.

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 

Roasted lamb leg on a platter.

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. 

Did you know: Just 3-ounces of lamb fills you with half the daily recommended protein intake for adults? That 23 whole grams of protein in just one serving!

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. 

The Foolproof Guide To The Perfect Rack Of Lamb

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.

Photo from: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cherry-tomato-salad/

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.

The Ultimate Guide To Grill Maintenance

As winter comes to an end, we are beginning to approach the best season of the year! Yes, you guessed it, grilling season is upon us! To get the most out of your meals, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you prepare your grill, and maintain it throughout the summer.

Psst..if you need some inspiration for the BBQ this summer, check out our recipes!

 

Start With A Thorough Cleaning

Before the grilling season starts, get ready to roll up your sleeves and show your grill some love with an extensive cleaning.

Start with your grill burners. Remove the cooking grids and sear plates and then detach the burners. Clear any blockages through the burner slots and brush the tops of the burners. Once the burners are cleaned, check all of the burner ports to ensure that they are open.

Next, use a spatula to scrape grease from the inside of the base, all the way down towards the drip pan. Remove the drip pan and use hot water mixed with soap. Finish, and replace the tin foil grease catcher.

Sear plates and cooking grids should be washed with hot soapy water to remove any discoloration or grease splatters. Once everything is dry, Use a soft cloth and, following the grain of the stainless steel, rub in some stainless steel protector.

Lastly, be sure to pull out the grease trap and dump out anything left from the previous year. For an easier clean-up next year, line your grease trap with some sturdy aluminum foil.

 

Inspect All Hoses and Feed Tubes

Once your cleaning is done, visually inspect all hoses and feed tubes on your grill. It is essential for a grill that has been sitting for many months without being used to have its hoses inspected before the grill is ignited. Taking this step is essential as hoses can catch fire if not inspected properly.

Begin by checking the hose from your propane to your burners, and make sure it’s intact and clean. If there’s any build-up on the hose, be sure to clean it off before starting your grill. Immediately replace your hose if it has any holes or tares.

Look for any scratching and punctures on your feed tubes. If anything is damaged, have it replaced right away.

 

Test Your Burners

Before you get to cooking, turn on your grill, light it up, and let it burn for a few minutes. Watch to make sure all the burners are firing and there are no leaks.

A leak test should be performed any time your grill has been in storage for a long period of time, or when you are changing any components on your grill. Follow these steps to perform a leak test:

 

  1. Make sure all grill burner knobs are in the OFF position and the propane tank is turned to OFF before testing. Testing should always be done outdoors, in a well-ventilated area and away from any ignition sources.

 

  1. Mix a 50/50 solution of water and liquid dish detergent. Put the mix in a spray bottle.

 

  1. Then turn the propane tank valve ON to pressurize your system.

 

  1. Spray the soapy solution onto the gas valve, hose, and regulator. Stand back and visually inspect all the places where the solution was applied. Soap bubbles will instantly form and grow if there’s a gas leak in any of the components. No bubbles means that there are no leaks. If bubbles DO form or you smell gas, turn the propane tank off immediately and contact an LP gas cylinder supplier.

A clean, well maintained grill makes delicious food! Here’s a few hot tips to help you keep that grill in tip top shape throughout the summer!

 

Summer Grill Maintenance

Every cookout:

 

  • Preheat your grill completely every time you turn it on. This cleans and disinfects your gas grill.

 

  • Brush cooking grates to remove residue and give yourself a clean cooking surface.

 

  • Turn up the heat on your grill to maximum after you remove the last of the food. This burns off all the drippings and grease in your grill.

 

  • Cover your grill as soon as it has cooled down. Protecting your grill from outside elements keeps it from rusting and becoming dirtier than it needs to be.

Every 10 cookouts:

 

  • Clean cooking grates and barriers above the burners and below the grates.

 

  • Brush out the inside of the grill into the drip pan below. Clean out or replace the grease drip pan.

 

  • Put everything back and fire up the grill, letting it heat up for about 10 minutes or until there is little to no smoke coming out of the grill.

You are now ready to get grilling! Try out one of our delicious  lamb recipes to start your summer off right!

5 Recipes That Taste Like Summer

Being stuck at home during a long and chilly winter season will make just about anyone start to crave a warmer climate. We could all use a little bit of sunshine on our plate to remind us that winter doesn’t last forever!

To remind you of those blissful, BBQ smoke-filled summer days, we’ve gathered up 5 recipes that taste like summer! Put a little sunshine on your plates and create a wonderful warm escape with these must-try lamb recipes. Brush the snow off that grill (or pull out your smaller, indoor version) and get cookin’!

 

BBQ Lamb with Mediterranean Compound Butter

There really is no easier way to get started on creating a perfect summer meal than our BBQ Lamb with Mediterranean Compound Butter! This recipe will be your go-to for simple and delicious roasted BBQ lamb chops or steaks. The only seasoning required on the lamb chops is some oil, salt, and pepper.

Our Mediterranean Compound Butter will be jam-packed with all the flavor to give you a barbeque you will never forget. Simply stir unsalted butter, at room temperature, finely chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, chopped capers, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced clove garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

From here, you’re going to want to refrigerate for about 1 hour or until firm. Alternatively, you can freeze for 15 minutes. Feel free to make this compound butter ahead of time as it can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 1 month!

Tips to get the most out of this recipe:

 

  • For medium doneness, cook lamb to an internal temperature of 160F (71C) or 165F (74C) for medium-well
  • Add any remaining butter to sauces, sandwiches, or pasta

Get the full recipe here.

 

Grilled Mojo Lamb Steaks with Avocado Salsa

 

Your March just got juicer! These Grilled Mojo Lamb Steaks are a version of the signature marinade of Cuba. It pairs beautifully with lamb as they keep the steaks juicy when grilled.

To create your flavor-packed juicy lamb steaks, whisk orange juice, lime juice, chopped fresh cilantro, minced clove garlic, a minced jalapeno pepper, packed brown sugar, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper together. Let your lamb steaks marinate in this for at least 4 hours.

While you wait, you can get started on your avocado salsa. You will only need 1 avocado, some chopped red onion, lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. After you grill your steaks, serve this yummy avocado salsa with your savory and juicy steaks!

Get the full recipe here.

 

Smoked Paprika and Lemon Lamb Loin Chops

 

Simple, smoky, and spicy is the perfect seasoning for BBQ or grilled lamb on a summer day! Our Smoked Paprika and Lemon Lamb Loin Chops recipe offers a thick and juicy cut, while leg steaks and lamb sirloin would also be equally delicious and work well with our paprika and lemon rub. The best part You don’t need to be a barbecue expert to make this simple and tasty recipe.

In a small bowl blend garlic, paprika, zest, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add olive oil and stir to a thick paste. From here, you’re going to want to divide the paste evenly between chops and rub over the entire chop. Allow the meat to rest for 15 minutes. Then, heat the BBQ or grill pan to medium-high. Finally, begin cooking each chop for about 4 minutes per side for a medium-rare chop or keep grilling until you reach your desired doneness!

Get the full recipe here.

 

Western Style BBQ Lamb Steaks

 

The fresh bbq sauce in this Western Style BBQ Lamb Steaks recipe contains a bit more acidity which complements the juicy smokiness of the barbecued lamb particularly well. Whether you prefer leg steaks, lamb sirloin, or chops; grill to desired doneness and serve with baked potatoes, corn, and beans for a western summer feast.

To create this western-style bbq sauce, you will need homemade or canned plain tomato sauce, minced garlic cloves, molasses, chili powder, cumin, Dijon mustard, canola oil, and ground chipotle pepper or red pepper flakes. Make sure to set aside 1/3 of the sauce to serve with steaks once cooked! This will prevent any cross contamination between the basting sauce and the steaks as they cook.

Get the full recipe here.

 

Chipotle Braised Lamb Tacos with Lime Sour Cream

 

These Chipotle Braised Lamb Tacos are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Served with a lime- spiked sour cream, they make a great meal that hits all the right spots during a lovely summer day spent outside!

Start off by seasoning your lamb with salt and pepper. Add onion, garlic, and cumin to pan; saute for 3 to 5 minutes or until onion is softened.  Then, add broth, barbecue sauce, honey, and chipotle peppers; bring to boil. For less-spicy tacos, use only 1 chipotle pepper. While your lamb is cooking in the oven, start on the Lime Sour Cream.

Stir sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper together. After your lamb is done cooking, divide shredded lamb evenly among tortillas. Top with Lime Sour Cream, radishes, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges,  grilled corn, rice, and beans, or coleslaw to take this meal to the next level.

Get the full recipe here.

Can’t get enough of these amazing summer lamb recipes Check out our other recipes here

 

Why We Should Eat More Lamb

From the high-quality nutrients to its delicious taste, there always seems to be more reasons to eat more lamb! Here are just a few reasons why you should consider incorporating more lamb into your diet:

 

Quality Protein Source With Low Fat

Lamb is an excellent and high-quality source of protein. We need a daily intake of protein to provide us with all the essential amino acids that our bodies need to:

 

  1. Build bones, muscles, cartilage, and skin
  2. Repair and build tissue
  3. Help oxygenate your entire body with the nutrients it needs
  4. Produce enzymes, which aids in digesting food, and making new cells and body chemicals

Lamb does not only provide an appropriate amount of protein to help with daily health maintenance, but its advantage over other meat sources such as beef is that it has less marbling so that when you trim the fat around the edges after cooking, the meat ends up much leaner. This means that when you eat lamb, you’re eating a delicious meat packed with protein that is low in fat!

 

Stay In Shape

Lamb contains essential nutrients that can help us stay or get in shape such as curbing hunger, building lean muscle, reducing muscle loss, and speeding recovery after exercise/and or injury.

Additionally, CLA ( Conjugated Linoleic Acid) is a ruminant trans fat found in lamb that helps reduce body fat mass and maintain a healthy weight. In fact, CLA is often found in popular weight loss supplements. Higher amounts of CLA are found in grass-fed lamb and are higher in lamb when compared to beef! Research has linked CLA to lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

 

Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals

When you eat lamb, not only will you be receiving an excellent source of protein, but also all the  necessary nutrients and minerals our bodies need to maintain perfect health such as

 

  • Vitamin B12: Important for blood formation and brain function, helps reduce anemia and neurological damage

 

  • Zinc: Accelerates wound healing, boosts immune system, fights inflammation, used for the growth and formation of hormones

 

  • Selenium: Prevents cell damage caused by free radicals, boosts immune system, may reduce risk to some forms of cancer, reduces risk of heart disease, promotes mental well-being, supports thyroid health

 

  • Niacin: Lowers cholesterol, helps reduce inflammation, boosts brain function, improves skin function

 

  • Phosphorus: Keeps your bones strong and healthy, helps make energy, moves your muscles

 

  • Iron: Provides energy and focus, boosts immune system, regulates body temperature, assists gastrointestinal processes, fights anemia

 

Amazing Taste

Along with the amazing health benefits, we should eat more lamb for its delicious and outstanding taste! There is an endless amount of easy and healthy lamb recipes that you can use to cook the most amazing meal for yourself and your loved ones! Here are a few meals that you can prepare:

Lamb and Quinoa Power Bowl with Tahini Dressing: Featuring SunGold lamb sirloin roast – this one-dish meal is sure to please. It’s delicious served hot or cold.

Chipotle Braised Lamb Tacos: These meat-lovers tacos are sweet and spicy. Served with a lime- spiked sour cream, they make a decadent main dish or appetizer.

Rack Lambsicles (with Pea and Mint Pesto): Serve one or two of these delicious little chops for a satisfying appetizer or three to four as a main dish. The fresh and lively pesto is like a taste of spring.

Lamb Kofta with Veggie Couscous Salad: Perfect for quick dinners or easy entertaining, these grilled lamb koftas are served with a fresh salad tossed in a flavourful harissa dressing.

If you’re ready to eat world-class quality, sustainable, and responsibly sourced lamb that Canadians have trusted for 45 years, make sure to check out our SunGold lamb products.

 

How To Dress Up A Homemade Pizza With Lamb

Pizza is the most well known and well liked meal on the planet. It’s a crowd pleaser, the most ideal comfort food around, and definitely the most popular food item out there.

For some crazy reason, people never get tired of pizza. We put everything on pizza these days, if it’s something edible I bet you anything there’s a pizza out there with that as one of it’s toppings and I bet it tastes good!

If you are looking for a delicious new pizza creation, that elevates your pizza from the same old toppings that you get every Friday night, then you should try lamb. Lamb adds new flavours to your palette. You’ll want to give it a shot as a solid option for a pizza topping because it is a great addition to it.

One option to try out, if you’d like to give lamb the spotlight on your pizza is this recipe:

 

Spicy Grilled Merguez and Red Onion Pizza

If you are ready to give lamb on your pizza a try, we HIGHLY recommend this recipe as it will probably change your life. You will never go back to pizza without lamb again!

This recipe features SunGold’s Lamb Tonight merguez lamb sausages that pair perfectly with other fresh toppings and spices that will be added to your homemade pizza as well. These merguez sausages are Moroccan style with a bit of heat, cumin, coriander, fennel, and paprika.

Sometimes it is hard to know what pairs well with certain types of meat, like for example lamb. Some great toppings to add to this type of lamb on your pizza are parsley, olives, capers, red onion, and fresh spinach or arugula. These ingredients complete the pizza with different levels of spice, flavour, and texture. Feel free to also add whatever else you would desire as toppings as well.

COOKING TIP: Make sure to grill the pizza, for roughly eight to ten minutes, to create a smoky flavour, and char the crust to make it nice and crisp with every bite.

Lamb tastes best with homemade pizza crust, and makes the experience all the more fun and worth it once you have a taste.

Homemade pizzas are simple to make, and the dough tastes so much more delicious and elevated, especially when you add lamb to the mix. It’s a show stopper. Not to mention, the preparation and cook time for homemade pizza is simple and once the dough is made, all that is left to do is to arrange your ingredients for the topping and throw it in the oven to cook. It’s as simple as that.

Check out the recipe here for the full details!

The Perfect Lamb Dishes For The Holiday Season

Switch it up this year by putting lamb on your holiday menu, and make it the star of your meal! This will be a memorable dish that no one will forget. 

Having a juicy lamb main course dish on your holiday menu this year is the way to go, and we will tell you why and give you all of our secrets as to what we think are the perfect lamb dishes to serve over the holidays. 

Lamb brings out surprising flavours that you normally would not expect, like you would have with a traditional holiday dish. Go for something different in all the best ways. 

Give your taste buds something new and exciting this year with these great lamb holiday dishes:

 

Stuffed Lamb Leg

A stuffed lamb leg is a great alternative to the traditional turkey or beef roasts that we usually see for holiday meals. 

A delicious stuffed lamb leg dish is SunGold’s Holiday Rosemary, Thyme, and Sage Stuffed Lamb Leg. With SunGold’s tender lamb, stuffed with delicious pairings you will create an unforgettable main holiday dish that will have all of your guests wanting more.

Another great choice for a stuffed lamb leg dish is our Spinach Goat Cheese and Pine Nut Stuffed Lamb. These flavours and textures bring a festive element to the dish, and pair perfectly with the lamb to create an elevated holiday meal. 

 

Lamb Roast

Roast is always a classic when it comes to the holidays, and all of those extravagant family meals. Why not switch out your usual beef or turkey roast for lamb?

 

Try out our Skillet Lamb Roast with Cognac Pan Sauce. This dish is elegant and impressive, not to mention delicious with a restaurant-style sauce to top it all off. Give it a go this upcoming holiday season. 

 

Rack Of Lamb

Any slow-cooked or grilled rack of lamb dish will be a huge hit during the holidays, whether it’s an appetizer or an entree. 

One option that is one of our favourites is SunGold’s Rack of Lamb recipe, which incorporates ingredients such as garlic, dijon mustard, parsley, and breadcrumbs to produce a dramatic presentation.

If you’re looking for a lamb dish that could be a good appetizer, a good holiday choice is our Grilled Lambsicles. These are great to start out a holiday meal, giving a tender and juicy bite of flavourful lamb.