Mary Berry’s Lamb Casserole Recipe: A Hearty Classic

Savouring a bowl of lamb casserole mary berry feels like a warm embrace on a cold evening. It’s a classic in British homes, mixing soft, slow-cooked lamb with a variety of veggies and fragrant herbs. This dish defines the heart of Mary Berry’s cooking, offering comfort, flavour, and the joy of sharing.

It’s a perfect choice for the winter months, allowing the tastes to blend slowly while it cooks for 1½ to 2 hours. It provides a generous 480 calories per serve, great for family meals. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this recipe ensures a satisfying meal without any trouble.

Introduction to Mary Berry’s Hearty Classic

Mary Berry’s lamb casserole is a prime example of British comfort food. It’s known for its rich flavours and its power to unite families. It stands as a beloved dish that perfectly combines elegance and simplicity for any event.

The secret is all in the slow cooking, as per Mary Berry’s classic method. This ensures the meat is tender and full of flavour. It’s a dish that captures the warm, comforting essence of home cooking. Lamb casserole remains a top choice in modern homes, cherished for its history and tradition.

Looking for new ideas? Check out A Common Table for recipes that enhance lamb’s traditional taste. Mary Berry champions straightforward cooking. She invites everyone to enjoy this timeless meal that’s been loved for generations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtdlRhoV5i8

Ingredients for Lamb Casserole

To make a delicious lamb casserole, you’ll need the right lamb casserole ingredients. These add depth and make it tasty. Choose 2.5kg of lamb shanks or 1.8kg of boneless lamb shoulder for tenderness. It’s ideal for feeding about six people, great for cosy dinners with the family.

Essential Ingredients Overview

For preparing the lamb, the essential items include:

• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped for sweetness
• 2 large onions, finely chopped to form the aromatic base
• 3 garlic cloves, minced for added flavour
• 2 celery stalks, sliced for texture
• 2 tbsp tomato paste, enhancing the sauce’s richness
• 500ml beef or lamb stock, providing a savoury foundation
• Optional: 200ml red wine for extra depth
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary, adding fragrant notes
• 2 bay leaves, infusing aromatic flavour
• 2 tbsp olive oil, needed for browning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable Additions for Depth of Flavour

Adding vegetables for lamb casserole brings texture and boosts the taste. Onions and garlic lay a flavourful base that matches the lamb perfectly. Carrots add a touch of sweetness, while celery brings crunch and richness. These ingredients make the casserole balanced and more enjoyable.

For detailed instructions on Mary Berry’s Lamb Casserole, visit this recipe page. It pairs wonderfully with Mary Berry’s apple cake. Discover the apple cake recipe here for a memorable meal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To make a tasty lamb casserole, follow a few essential steps. These processes ensure the meat is full of flavour and tender. They also show effective ways to cook lamb.

Preparing the Lamb for Cooking

First, trim the lamb of excess fat and cut it into even, bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and improves texture. Next, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Season the lamb with salt and pepper. Add it to the hot pan, browning it well. This step locks in fantastic flavours for the dish.

Sautéing Vegetables for Maximum Aroma

After browning the lamb, set it aside. Then, use the same pan to cook onions, garlic, and celery. Sautéing them boosts the dish’s aroma. It makes a great flavour foundation.

Cook until they’re soft, which brings out their sweet flavours. This adds depth to the casserole.

Combining Liquid and Herbs for Richness

Next, add stock and tomato paste to the vegetables. This deglazes the pan, mixing in the tasty bits left from the lamb. Add bay leaves and thyme. Herbs create a rich sauce that goes well with the lamb.

Stir and let everything simmer before returning the lamb to the pan. This combines all flavours together perfectly.

Ingredient	Amount
Lamb shoulder	1 kg / 2.2 lbs
Carrots	2 large
Potatoes	3 medium
Onions	2 large
Garlic	2 cloves
Lamb or beef stock	500ml / 2 cups
Tomato paste	1 tbsp
Bay leaves	2
Fresh thyme	A few sprigs
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Calories	480
Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	30g
Protein	35g
Fiber	5g
Preparation time	15 minutes
Cooking time	120 minutes
Total time	2 hours 15 minutes
Yield	6 servings

Mary Berry’s Cooking Technique for Lamb Casserole

In Mary Berry’s lamb casserole, slow cooking is key. It turns lamb soft as butter, thanks to low heat over 2½ to 3 hours. Cooked at 160°C (320°F), the ingredients mix well. Their flavours get stronger, making a dish that keeps you coming back for more. Slow cooking also softens tough meat. This makes even simple ingredients taste amazing.

Fresh herbs are very important in Mary Berry’s casserole. Rosemary and bay leaves add deep, earthy tastes that go well with the lamb. Put them in early but remember to take them out before eating. This way, their strong taste doesn’t overpower but enhances the dish. Fresh herbs make the meal smell and taste better, turning something simple into something special.

If you want to try more, look at Mary Berry’s apple cake loaf. It’s another great example of her careful cooking and use of fresh things. Mary can help you make great meals that everyone loves.

FAQ

What makes Mary Berry’s Lamb Casserole a family favourite?

Mary Berry’s Lamb Casserole is loved for its warm, comforting taste. It’s great for family meals and special times.

Can I use different cuts of lamb for this casserole?

Yes, lamb shoulder is best for its softness after slow cooking. But you can try lamb shanks or leg too. Just watch the cooking time.

What vegetables should I add to enhance the casserole’s flavour?

Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for texture and taste. Parsnips or peas are good for a change of flavour.

How long should I cook the casserole, and at what temperature?

Cook it at 160°C (320°F) for 2½ to 3 hours in the oven. Or slow cook it for up to 8 hours for perfect softness.

What is the significance of using fresh herbs in the casserole?

Fresh herbs like rosemary and bay leaves add key aromas. They make the dish taste comforting and savoury.

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes! Prep Mary Berry’s Lamb Casserole ahead and pop it in the fridge. It’s even tastier the next day as the flavours blend.

What should I serve with Lamb Casserole?

Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttery dumplings. They’re perfect for soaking up the gravy.

Is it possible to substitute the red wine in the recipe?

Sure, use beef stock or grape juice instead of red wine for a non-alcoholic version. The taste might change a bit, though.