Cheese And Lamb: Perfect Pairing For Springtime

Lamb is a celebrated dish in Greek and Middle Eastern cookery, often served with a variety of warm spices and a cooling yogurt sauce. But what type of cheese goes best with lamb?

Greek feta is the quintessential cheese to pair with roast lamb, as its tanginess helps to cut through the fattiness of the meat. It also has the benefit of not overpowering the intense flavour of lamb.

Other cheeses that go well with lamb include ricotta, emmental, blue cheese, goat cheese, provolone, halloumi, and aged Swiss.

Feta, a traditional Greek cheese, is a popular choice for lamb

Feta, a traditional Greek cheese, is a popular choice to pair with lamb. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from lamb sliders and kofte to lamb burgers and sandwiches. Feta's tangy and sharp flavour, as well as its crumbly texture, makes it an ideal complement to the rich and gamey taste of lamb. The cheese is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk, resulting in a refreshingly vibrant taste.

When pairing feta with lamb, there are several creative methods to consider. For a direct flavour infusion, crumble the feta over the lamb during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing the cheese to melt gently and mix with the meat's juices. This technique is particularly effective when roasting lamb, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavours. Another option is to use feta as a stuffing or marinade for lamb, combining it with herbs, garlic, and lemon zest to infuse the meat with Mediterranean flavours.

Feta's versatility extends beyond its use as a topping or stuffing. It can also be incorporated into sauces or dressings to accompany lamb dishes. For example, a feta vinaigrette made with lemon juice, red wine vinegar, parsley, olive oil, salt, pepper, and crumbled feta can be drizzled over sliced lamb for a refreshing twist. Alternatively, a simple lamb gyro topped generously with feta is always a crowd-pleaser.

The popularity of feta with lamb is not limited to traditional Greek cuisine. It is also a common choice for lamb dishes in other cultures, such as Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Feta's tangy and salty characteristics complement the complex flavours of lamb, making it a versatile cheese that can be adapted to suit various recipes and taste preferences.

In summary, feta is a traditional Greek cheese that has gained popularity as a pairing with lamb due to its ability to complement and enhance the flavours of this meat. Its tangy, sharp, and vibrant taste, coupled with its crumbly texture, makes it a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a variety of lamb dishes, from roasted lamb to lamb burgers and sandwiches. The combination of feta and lamb creates a delightful interplay of sweet and salty notes, making it a favourite among food enthusiasts.

Goat's cheese is another option, which can be used in a variety of dishes

Goats cheese is another option to pair with lamb, which can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a versatile choice, working well in salads, sandwiches, and burgers. For example, a popular sandwich option is to spread bread with goat's cheese, stack with arugula, tomatoes, shredded lamb, and caramelized onions. Alternatively, for a burger, goat's cheese can be used as a topping, as it is versatile and not too overpowering.

Goats cheese is also a good choice to pair with lamb because it can be grilled, adding a new dimension to a dish. For instance, grilling goat's cheese can be a great addition to a lamb burger, or it can be grilled on its own and served with a squeeze of lemon juice and a couple of mint leaves.

Goats cheese also works well in more complex dishes, such as braised lamb shoulder with goat cheese gnocchi, or a lamb gyro topped with goat's cheese. It is a good pairing with lamb because it is not too overpowering, but still adds a vibrant taste.

Ricotta, a creamy cheese, is recommended for lamb meatballs

To make lamb meatballs with ricotta, you'll need to soak the breadcrumbs in the cheese. This step is important because it gives the meatballs their signature airy texture. After baking and broiling the meatballs, finish them in a simple tomato sauce. This final step is a game-changer as the meatballs become even more tender as they soak up the sauce's rich flavours.

Ricotta meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served as a holiday appetiser, tucked into a meatball sub, or enjoyed over a bowl of pasta. They can also be frozen and reheated for a quick and easy meal.

When forming the meatballs, be sure to handle the mixture gently and avoid over-mixing or compacting the meat, as this will result in tough and chewy meatballs.

In addition to ricotta, other cheeses that pair well with lamb include feta, blue cheese, emmental, and goat cheese.

Blue cheese is a good pairing for lamb, especially in sliders or kofte

Blue cheese is a great choice to pair with lamb. Its strong flavour stands up to the gaminess of the meat, creating a harmonious blend of complementary flavours. The tanginess of blue cheese helps to cut through the fattiness of lamb, making it a refreshing and vibrant pairing.

When it comes to lamb dishes, blue cheese is particularly well-suited to sliders or kofte. The salty, savoury notes of the cheese enhance the flavours of the lamb in these dishes, creating a delicious and indulgent bite. The creamy texture of blue cheese also adds a lovely contrast to the texture of the lamb, making for a more interesting dining experience.

If you're looking to elevate your lamb sliders or kofte, consider using a high-quality blue cheese, such as a super creamy variety. This will ensure that the cheese doesn't overwhelm the lamb but instead complements its complex flavours. You can crumble the blue cheese on top of your sliders or mix it into the kofte mixture for a flavourful surprise.

For an extra touch of sophistication, try pairing your blue cheese and lamb dish with a glass of Pinot Noir or a Tuscan red wine. The acidity, tannins and fruit notes in these wines will beautifully balance the rich, earthy flavours of the lamb and the boldness of the blue cheese.

So, the next time you're planning a meal featuring lamb, consider reaching for some blue cheese to take your dish to the next level. The combination of these two ingredients is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds!

Emmental is a flavourful cheese that can be served with lamb shoulder, shank and leg

Emmental is a flavourful cheese that can be served with lamb shoulder, shank, and leg. These cuts of lamb are ideal for pairing with cheese, and Emmental is a great choice. It is a Swiss cheese with a mild, nutty flavour and a semi-soft texture. Its yellow colour comes from being soaked in a salt brine, and it has some larger holes, which are a result of the bacteria used in its production.

Emmental is a good choice to serve with lamb because its mild flavour and texture won't overwhelm the taste of the lamb. The nutty notes of the cheese will complement the earthy richness of the lamb, and its semi-soft texture will balance the dense texture of the meat.

When serving Emmental with lamb shoulder, shank, or leg, consider the following:

• Slice the Emmental into thin pieces so that it can be easily melted on top of the lamb or enjoyed as a side.
• If you want to add a crunchy texture, you can toast the Emmental slices in a pan or oven until they become crispy.
• Emmental melts well, so you can also create a sauce or fondue with it to accompany the lamb.
• To enhance the flavour of the cheese, try pairing it with a white wine, such as a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio.

Additionally, you can create a well-rounded meal by serving the lamb and Emmental with complementary side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted vegetables: Try asparagus, which pairs well with lamb, or other roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or potatoes.
• Salads: A fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the lamb and cheese.
• Bread: Serve a crusty baguette or some flatbread to complete the meal and help soak up any delicious juices or sauces.

By following these suggestions, you can create a delicious and harmonious meal featuring Emmental cheese and lamb shoulder, shank, or leg.

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