The place did all of the mutton go? Does anybody recall consuming mutton stew on a chilly November night after coming dwelling from faculty? Or grilled mutton chops with mushy peas? I can’t say I’ve any fond recollections of consuming mushy peas, however mutton chops are one thing I miss.
Mutton is sheep that’s greater than two years previous, although in my guide, it’s a minimum of three. Hogget, which is one other kind of lamb that has virtually fully disappeared, is 2 years previous. So, for a recap: lamb is as much as one yr previous, hogget is 2, and mutton is three. Just a few years in the past, Prince Charles based the Mutton Renaissance Marketing campaign within the UK, to attract consideration to the plight of this meat and to attempt to sharpen its definition. I’m unsure if it’s working.
As much as the second World Warfare, mutton was prized in Ireland and the UK for its texture, flavour and in the end, for its worth. Maybe it was the acceleration of worldwide commerce that led to the demise of hogget and mutton? Does it make any sense that we now have freezers stuffed with New Zealand lamb? Is there not sufficient lamb in Eire? Mutton won’t be straightforward to supply since practically all sheep at the moment are bought as “lamb” within the supermarkets. Ask your native butcher if they’ll supply it.
The right way to make mutton chops with roasted celeriac
Celeriac is again with a bang, and I do know I’ll little doubt lament its presence in my kitchen round February, however for now I’m excited. Roasted celeriac enhances the flavours of any roasted fish or meat, from turbot to pheasant, and naturally mutton.
Peel and dice your celeriac. Place on a roasting tray, and add oil and salt liberally. Scatter a number of sprigs of rosemary and thyme over the celeriac and roast at 180 levels for 20 minutes, till tender.
Season your mutton chops with salt and pan-fry on each side. Add a knob of butter and a sprig of thyme and baste. Deglaze the pan with a bit of cider. Add a splash of cream and scale back for a fast sauce.
