The #SimpleBalancedMeals #CookingatHome campaign is sponsored by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) – the English, Welsh and Scottish levy bodies that between them cover all food groups in a healthy balanced diet.
For almost 20 years, when I cooked, it was for a large family. Six children and two adults to cater for makes you realise just how much you can save by making simple balanced meals that are delicious too.
Now it is just me and the girls, I love to recreate our family favourites. We love to sit at the table and catch up – and of course we are doing that now more than ever! Time together is so important and knowing the girls clear their plates and are getting everything they need from what I am cooking gives me a huge sense of accomplishment!
The lamb in this dish is great value. I cooked this for 6 hours in the slow cooker and the meat melts in your mouth. The longer you cook it, the more tender it will be. Lamb can contribute to the balanced meal as it is a source of vitamin B12, B6 and zinc which can help the immune system work normally.
Ingredients you can substitute
I know not everyone will have all ingredients in, most of these ingredients can be swapped, or even left out, if you don’t have them, so don’t worry! For example, if Butternut squash is not available, swap in another type of squash – courgette or pumpkin; carrots can be replaced with parsnips, daikon, turnips, or even celery; you can play around with different spices in your cabinet, or switch out honey for sugar, corn syrup, molasses, even maple syrup!
More great reasons to eat lamb:
Lamb
● Lean lamb is a rich source of vitamin B12
● Vitamin B12 helps energy production in the body
● Vitamin B12 helps the nervous system work normally
● Vitamin B12 helps red blood cell formation
● Vitamin B12 helps the immune system work normally
● Vitamin B12 helps reduce tiredness and fatigue
● Lamb is naturally rich in protein, low in salt and provides seven vitamins and minerals that contribute towards good health and wellbeing. These are: niacin (vitamin B3), vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, potassium, phosphorus and pantothenic acid.
This is such a simple recipe and after the initial prep work, it’s simply a case of putting it in the slow cooker and leaving it. We added this as one of our meal plan dinners and loved it so much it will be making a regular appearance!
The #SimpleBalancedMeals #CookingatHome campaign is sponsored by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) – the English, Welsh and Scottish levy bodies that between them cover all food groups in a healthy balanced diet.
Visit https://eatwelshlambandwelshbeef.com/en, https://www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk/ and https://www.scotchkitchen.com/ for more delicious simple balanced meals with lamb!
Serves 6 INGREDIENTS
1/2 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Turmeric
1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
Pinch of Saffron
600g diced Lamb
2 tbsp Olive Oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 Tins Chopped Tomatoes
1 Small Carton Passata
2 Onions, diced to 1cm cubes
5 tbsp Clear Honey
500 ml Vegetable Stock
3 Carrots, diced to 1cm cubes
1 Small Butternut Squash, cut into 1cm pieces
Accompaniment: Rice or flat breads
Method
Combine all of the spices together and rub into the lamb. Place in a bowl and refrigerate overnight.
In a heavy based pan heat the oil, remainder of spices and garlic. Add the lamb and brown on all sides. Transfer the lamb to a slow cooker.
Add the tomatoes, passata, onions, honey and vegetable stock over the lamb. Add the vegetables and stir well.
Make sure all of the meat is covered with juices and cook on low for as long as possible.
Serve with rice and flat breads or couscous.
I love to prepare and freeze meals for a day when time is limited so this is double what we needed. The rest was decanted into containers and frozen. Defrost thoroughly before use.
I am working in a paid relationship with Welsh Lamb and BritMums highlighting easy midweek meals.