Braised Leg Of Mutton Recipe

Braised Leg of Mutton Recipe:

History and Fun Facts:
Braised leg of mutton is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Braising is a cooking technique that involves browning the meat and then slow cooking it in a liquid, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. This cooking method has been used since ancient times to tenderize tougher cuts of meat.

Mutton, the meat from mature sheep, has been a popular protein source throughout history. In fact, it was one of the most consumed meats in Europe until the 19th century, when the popularity of lamb started to increase. However, mutton still holds a special place in traditional British cuisine.

Mutton was commonly used in traditional British dishes due to its affordability and availability. It provided sustenance for many families, particularly during times when other meats were scarce or expensive. Braised leg of mutton became a popular way to transform a tougher cut of meat into a tender and delicious meal.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 Leg of Mutton (approximately 4-5 pounds)
- 1 Rasher of Ham
- 1 fagot of Herbs (a bundle of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves)
- 20 Peppercorns
- 1 1/2 oz. Butter
- 2 Carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 Turnip, peeled and chopped
- 1 Onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 quart Stock (beef or vegetable)
- Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.

2. In a large, oven-safe saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the leg of mutton and brown it on all sides. This step helps to seal in the meat's juices and adds to the flavor of the final dish.

3. Add the rasher of ham, fagot of herbs, peppercorns, carrots, turnip, and onion to the saucepan, arranging them around the leg of mutton.

4. Pour the stock into the saucepan, ensuring that it covers the meat and vegetables. The liquid will provide moisture and help to braise the meat.

5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the saucepan tightly with a lid. If you are using a coal fire, you can place hot coals on top of the lid to provide additional heat. Cook the leg of mutton slowly in the oven for approximately four hours.

6. After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the leg of mutton from the saucepan and transfer it to a serving dish.

7. Strain the gravy from the saucepan, discarding any solids. Remove the fat from the gravy, either by skimming it off the top or using a fat separator.

8. Pour the gravy into a separate saucepan and bring it to a boil. Allow it to simmer until it reduces to a half glaze consistency. The reduced gravy will have a concentrated flavor that complements the meat.

9. Pour the half glaze gravy around the dish containing the leg of mutton, or you can serve it in a gravy boat for individual portions.

10. Serve the braised leg of mutton with julienne or plain vegetables as a side dish. The tender meat and flavorful gravy will make a hearty and satisfying meal.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
There are several similar recipe dishes that are also delicious and worth exploring if you enjoy braised mutton. Here are a few examples:

1. Braised Lamb Shanks: This recipe uses lamb shanks instead of mutton leg. The shanks are braised in a similar manner, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

2. Beef Pot Roast: This classic dish involves braising a beef roast, typically chuck or brisket, to create a tender and comforting meal. The slow-cooked meat is often served with vegetables and a rich gravy.

3. Coq au Vin: This French dish features chicken braised in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, and onions. The combination of flavors and slow cooking process results in a deliciously tender and rich meal.

4. Osso Buco: This Italian dish is made with braised veal shanks cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables and white wine. The slow cooking method breaks down the tough connective tissue, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tender meat.

These similar dishes offer variations on the braising technique, showcasing different proteins and flavor profiles. Exploring these recipes can provide you with a range of delicious options to enjoy.