Lamb Hot Pot Pairings: Creating The Perfect Harmony

Lamb hot pot is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for family meals. It's a classic British recipe that has stood the test of time, remaining popular nearly 200 years after its creation. This versatile dish can be served with a variety of sides, each complementing the juicy lamb and rich gravy.

While a simple side of crusty bread can accompany the lamb hot pot, there are several other options to elevate the meal. Loaded mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, and sautéed collard greens are just a few delicious sides that will pair well with the lamb hot pot's robust flavours.

For those seeking a lighter option, a quinoa salad or a Fattoush salad—a Lebanese dish with Mediterranean flavours—can be a refreshing accompaniment.

Whatever your preference, there's a side dish to suit every taste and elevate your lamb hot pot into something truly special.

Loaded mashed potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bacon or more, cooked until crisp and then drained and crumbled
• 3 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks, boiled until tender, and then drained
• 1/2 cup of butter, cut into pieces and then mashed into the potatoes
• 1 (16-ounce) container of sour cream, mashed into the potatoes
• 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, stirred into the potato mixture
• 1/2 cup of chopped fresh chives (optional), stirred into the potato mixture
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Method

First, cook the bacon until crisp and then drain it on paper towels. Next, boil and drain the potatoes, and return them to the pot. Mash or beat the butter into the potatoes, and then mash or beat in the sour cream. Crumble the bacon into the potato mixture, and then stir in the cheese and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For an extra treat, add some milk or cream to your leftovers, reheat, and enjoy as a loaded potato soup!

Roasted vegetables

When making roasted vegetables, it is important to cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so that they cook evenly. You can roast a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, carrots, and more. However, it is recommended to separate starchy and hardy root vegetables from high-moisture vegetables like eggplant, as they have different roasting times and methods.

For root vegetables such as beets, sweet potatoes, and potatoes, cut them into smaller pieces (about 3/4-inch to 1-inch pieces) as they tend to take longer to roast. For long root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, cut any thick ones in half lengthwise, then slice them crosswise into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli should be cut into smaller florets or halves. Soft vegetables, such as green beans and asparagus, can be left whole.

To prepare the roasted vegetables, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place your chosen vegetables on it. Drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper, tossing to coat. Spread the vegetables in a single layer, grouping each type separately. Roast for 15 minutes, then check and remove any vegetables that are browned. Continue roasting and checking every 5 minutes, removing veggies as needed, until all are soft and browned.

You can get creative with seasonings and flavours. Before roasting, try tossing the veggies with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, or dried oregano. After roasting, dress them with balsamic vinaigrette, squeeze some lemon juice over them, or add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage.

Bread

Lamb hot pot is a hearty dish that can be served with a simple side of bread. Here are some ideas for types of bread to accompany the meal:

Crusty Bread

Crusty bread is a great option for dipping into the lamb hot pot or for using as a vessel to transport the meat and vegetables to your mouth. It is best served hot alongside the lamb hot pot, so it remains tender. This could include leftover dinner rolls from the night before.

Flatbreads

Flatbreads are another option that could be used to scoop up the lamb hot pot. They could also be used to create wraps or rolls with the lamb hot pot as a filling.

Focaccia

Focaccia is a flat Italian bread that is often flavoured with herbs and olive oil. It could be served alongside the lamb hot pot or used to make sandwiches or wraps.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is another option that could be served with lamb hot pot. It is especially good at soaking up the juices of the meal.

In conclusion, there are several types of bread that can be served with lamb hot pot, depending on your preference. These include crusty bread, bread rolls, flatbreads, focaccia, and garlic bread.

Salad

Fattoush Salad

Fattoush salad is a Lebanese dish that combines classic Mediterranean flavours such as parsley, mint, lemon juice, and tomatoes. Adding radish and cucumber provides a refreshing flavour and a nice crunch to the salad. For an extra salty, crispy contrast, top the salad with pita chips. The fresh ingredients in this salad make it a perfect complement to lamb hot pot, and the addition of pita chips and lemon juice gives it a tangy twist that pairs well with the stew.

Herb Salad

Lamb pairs well with fresh herbs, so an herb salad would be an excellent choice. Use light lettuces such as butter, red leaf, or a spring mix as a base. Add whole leaves of mint, parsley, dill, and basil in a ratio of 4 cups of lettuce to 1 cup of mixed herbs. Dress the salad with a light lemon-mustard or honey-mustard vinaigrette, and add chunks of feta or goat cheese for a tangy finish.

Roasted Vegetable Salad

Roasted vegetable salad is another excellent option to serve with lamb hot pot. Any combination of vegetables will work, but tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and aubergine pair especially well with lamb. Toss large chunks of vegetables with olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, and either rosemary or thyme. Bake the vegetables in the oven until they are nicely caramelized and brown. This salad can be served directly from the oven or allowed to reach room temperature before serving.

Quinoa Salad

For a light and healthy side dish, consider a quinoa salad. Quinoa is a grain high in protein and fibre, making it a nutritious choice. It also has a nutty flavour that pairs well with various ingredients. In this quinoa salad, pair it with crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful feta cheese. You could also add your own twist by including ingredients such as roasted red peppers or black beans.

Pickled red cabbage

To make pickled red cabbage, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Red cabbage
• Vinegar (any type can be used, but apple cider or red wine vinegar is recommended for a milder flavour)
• Water
• Sugar
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Your choice of additional spices or dried herbs (e.g. mustard seeds, red pepper flakes)

First, cut the red cabbage into nice, thin slices. You can use a mandolin or a knife for this step. Then, mix the cabbage with a brine made from vinegar, water, sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Get creative and add your own mix of spices or choose a different type of vinegar to make it your own. Let the mixture sit for at least 2 hours so that the flavours can develop. Finally, store the pickled red cabbage in a sealed jar in the fridge, where it will last for about 2-3 weeks.

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