So I’ve been asked to enter the Lamb Recipe Challenge and come up with a tasty, original lamb recipe. Never one to turn down a challenge, I put my mind to creating something deliciously different. I had so many ideas I’ve ended up creating two dishes using lamb mince – so you’ve got double value today! #LoveLambChallenge
Here’s my take on a lamb burger first. I was thinking about putting a different twist on a cheeseburger and came up with the idea of stuffing the burger with a herby goat’s cheese mixture. And that got me to thinking of French flavours which is when I added the Dijon mustard mayo. Along with a large, juicy slice of tomato and a handful of rocket, this is a splendidly mouth-watering combination. The cheese mix keeps the meat beautifully moist and is a lovely surprise when you slice your burger open.
Don’t forget to read on for my spiced kofta kebab recipe with a special secret ingredient.
HERB AND CHEESE LAMB BURGERS
Makes 4 burgers
500g lamb mince1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 egg, beaten
100g white breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper
For the filling
100g soft goats cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
To serve
4 ciabatta rolls
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
A large tomato
Rocket
Heat half the oil in a pan and fry the onion over medium heat for about 10 minutes until soft and transluscent. Allow to cool
Mix the cooked onion, lamb, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt and pepper together thoroughly.
Divide into four and roll into balls. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Mix the goat’s cheese, basil and oregano together thoroughly. Cover and chill for five mins.
When you’re ready to cook, make an indentation in the centre of the lamb ball with your finger (making sure not to pierce the other side). Fill it with a large teaspoon of the goat’s cheese and then make a meatball again around the filling. Flatten it to make a burger.
Heat the remaining oil and cook for 10 mins on each side until nicely browned.
Spread a halved ciabatta roll with a mix of half mayonnaise, half Dijon mustard. Place the burger on top and add a large slice of tomato and a handful of rocket. Serve immediately.
One of my favourite South African dishes is called bobotie. You can find my recipe for it by clicking here. It’s a kind of lamb mince bake with spices, fruit, eggs and cream added and is truly delicious. So I thought I’d try to produce something similar in the form of a kofta kebab. My special ingredient is the marmalade – make sure you use a chunky one, I used Hartley’s Olde English thick cut marmalade. It adds a lovely sweetness and balance to the spice and really brings out all the flavours. I’ve served it here in a warmed mini naan bread – but these tasty little kebabs would work just as well with a salad or vegetable dish or served as snacks. How’s that for versatile?!
SPICED AND SWEET LAMB KOFTA KEBABS
Makes 12 kofta
500g lamb mince
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 tsps cumin
2 tsps coriander
2 tsps medium curry powder
2 tbsp thick cut marmalade
1 tbsp sunflower oil
Salt and pepper
To serve
8 mini naan breads
Cucumber and yogurt raita
Chutney
Fry the onion for about 10 minutes until softened.
Mix together all the ingredients well.
Shape the mince into sausage shapes on small skewers.
Heat the oil in a pan and fry the koftas for around 15 minutes turning regularly to make sure they are evenly cooked.
Spread a dollop of cucumber raita inside a mini naan bread. Slide the kofta off its skewer, place on top of the raita. Add a dollop of chutney and serve.
Do you have a favourite recipe using lamb mince? Or any other cut of lamb for that matter? I’d love to hear about it, so do get in touch.
love these and plan to try them soonest! Starving just looking at the pics too :))
They are delicious, the burger is the best ever!