New Season Irish Lamb

In recent times, new season spring lamb has become traditional at Easter in Ireland, but it is a much better buy in summer when it has had more time to grow larger (making it more suitable for family meals) and to develop more flavour.

Bord Bia recently launched a series of interactive video demonstrations featuring top chef Neven Maguire, and a also new range of tasty Irish lamb recipes (available on www.bordbia.ie). Teresa Brophy, Ireland Market Manager, Bord Bia commented, “Lamb is a hugely popular dish in Ireland and new season lamb is both delicious and easy to cook. In a recent Bord Bia consumer study 51% of those surveyed said lamb was the tastiest of all meats and we hope that the interactive videos with Neven Maguire will make meal preparations even more fun!”

Those following the growing public recognition of the importance of food production to Ireland’s economic recovery may be interested to know that Ireland’s lamb sector, including food service, is valued at approximately €290 million with annual exports of €163 million to 25 markets around the world. France remains the most important market accounting for 19,000 tonnes, almost half of Ireland’s total lamb exports.

And it is encouraging to hear that the Bord Bia Lamb Quality Assurance scheme, originally launched in May 2007, has now grown to 8,300 members.

Meanwhile, most of us cooking at home simply choose lamb because it is so tasty and versatile – and it combines beautifully with new season vegetables and herbs, notably new potatoes, peas and mint…

RECIPES:

Minced Lamb with Pak Choy and Chillies

Quick and easy to prepare, you can have this tasty dish on the table in fifteen minutes flat.

Serves: 4

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Lamb Cutlets with Fresh Herb Dressing

Lamb cutlets, lamb chops or leg steaks are equally nice for this fresh-flavoured dish, which takes under half an hour to prepare and cook.

Serves 4

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Greek-style Lamb Kebabs

Another quick recipe, with great summery flavours. Delicious cooked either on the barbecue or under the grill.

Serves 4

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