Lamb meatloaf

Lamb haggis is a traditional dish that is a must-have at the Easter table, symbolizing joyful celebrations and family reunions. With its unmistakable aroma and delicious texture, lamb haggis combines fresh, flavorful ingredients and is a perfect choice to impress your guests. In this detailed guide, I will teach you step by step how to prepare this delicacy, providing practical tips for achieving a perfect result. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- 1 kg lamb offal (lungs, heart, liver, kidneys)
- 1 lamb caul (or more, depending on size)
- 4 bunches of green onions
- 3 medium dried onions
- 2 bunches of fresh dill
- 2 bunches of fresh parsley
- 9 eggs (4 for boiling, 5 for the mixture)
- 2 teaspoons haggis seasoning (if you don't have it, you can use a combination of salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and dried dill)
- 2 slices of white bread
- Salt and pepper to taste

A bit of history

Lamb haggis has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a recipe that brings family together around the Easter table. It is a way to celebrate renewal and rebirth, carrying profound symbolism related to this holiday. It is said that each ingredient has a special significance, and the preparation method reflects the care and love for loved ones.

Step by step

1. Preparing the offal: Start by washing the lamb offal under cold running water. Boil them in a large pot with water and a little salt. Add a whole onion, which will help reduce the specific smell of the meat. Wait for the water to boil, then change the water and let the offal boil for about 40 minutes.

2. Boiling the eggs: Meanwhile, boil 4 eggs for about 5 minutes. These will be used to add flavor and aesthetic appeal to the haggis. Once boiled, peel them and set them aside.

3. Chopping the vegetables: While the offal is boiling, finely chop the green onions, dill, and parsley. These herbs will add freshness and color to your dish.

4. Preparing the caul: Wash the caul well and let it drain in a sieve. This will form a savory wrap around the haggis.

5. Chopping the meat: Once the offal is boiled, remove it from the water and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Wait 10 minutes for it to cool, then chop it finely in a meat grinder along with the 2 dried onions and the 2 slices of white bread. The bread will help bind the mixture.

6. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, mix the minced meat with the vegetables, add the 5 beaten eggs, and season with the 2 teaspoons of haggis seasoning. Check if more salt and pepper are needed, then mix well to achieve a homogeneous composition.

7. Assembling the haggis: Prepare a baking dish greased with a little oil. Place the well-drained caul at the bottom of the dish, then pour in the meat mixture. Make space for the 4 boiled eggs, which you can place in the center of the mixture to create a pleasant effect when sliced.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C) and let the haggis bake for 45 minutes or until it turns golden and is well cooked.

9. Cooling and serving: Once ready, remove the haggis from the oven and let it cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Then, you can transfer it to a platter and slice it. It is served cold, alongside a green salad or pickles.

Useful tips

- Fresh ingredients are key: Make sure to use fresh, quality offal to achieve a haggis with excellent flavor.
- Spices: If you want a more intense note, you can add a few bay leaves or a little chopped garlic to the mixture.
- Vegetarian option: If you want a lighter version, you can replace the lamb with finely chopped mushrooms or vegetables, keeping the rest of the ingredients.
- Serving: The haggis pairs perfectly with a refreshing drink, such as a dry white wine or mint lemonade.

Nutritional information

Lamb haggis is an excellent source of protein and vitamins, thanks to its rich content of meat and vegetables. Each serving can contain approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is important to consume it in moderation, considering the fat content from the meat.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use meat other than lamb?
Yes, you can experiment with beef or pork, but the taste will be different.

- How can I store the haggis?
The haggis stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and for longer storage, you can freeze it.

- Can haggis be made from vegan ingredients?
Absolutely! Use tofu or crushed vegetables and spices to mimic the texture and taste.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking and impress your family with this delicious lamb haggis. Happy holidays!