Lamb meatloaf

Lamb Haggis

In spring, when flowers start to bloom and the air becomes warmer, it is the perfect time to prepare lamb haggis. This delicious dish, with a deeply rooted tradition in our cuisine, is often associated with Easter celebrations but can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Lamb haggis is a savory combination of meat, offal, and greens that delights the taste buds and brings a touch of warmth to the soul.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:
- 1 kg lamb offal (liver, lungs, kidneys)
- 500 g lamb meat (the leg or shoulder are ideal)
- 1 large onion
- 2 bunches of green onions
- 2 bunches of green garlic
- 50 g butter (for greasing the tray)
- 5 eggs (4 for the mixture and 1 for decoration)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 200 g sour cream (for a creamy taste)
- 4 bunches of fresh dill
- 4 bunches of fresh parsley
- Caul (natural lamb membrane, to wrap the haggis)

Preparation:

1. Start by thoroughly washing the offal and lamb meat. Then, place them in a large pot with cold water and add a tablespoon of salt. Boil them over medium heat for 30 minutes. This step is essential to remove impurities and achieve a clean flavor.

2. After boiling, remove the offal from the water and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, use a meat grinder to finely chop the offal and meat. It is important to achieve a uniform texture to ensure a pleasant consistency of the haggis.

3. In a large bowl, add the minced meat along with the finely chopped large onion, green onions, and minced green garlic. These ingredients add not only flavor but also a touch of freshness.

4. Beat 4 eggs in another bowl and add them to the previous mixture. Mix well so that all ingredients combine harmoniously. Add salt, pepper, sour cream, and chopped greens (dill and parsley) and mix again. This is an ideal moment to taste the mixture to adjust the seasoning to your preference.

5. Prepare the tray. Grease a tray with butter and line it with well-washed caul. Place the mixture in the tray, leveling it with a spatula. In the center of the mixture, place the 3 boiled and peeled eggs, which will provide a pleasant appearance and a surprising taste.

6. Cover the haggis with the caul, ensuring that all ingredients are well wrapped. Now, it's time to put the haggis in the oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the haggis for about an hour. It is important to check occasionally, and if you notice that the caul is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.

7. After an hour of baking, remove the haggis from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting. It is easier to portion when warm, and the flavors have settled well.

8. You can serve the haggis warm or cold, alongside a fresh green salad or pickles, which will contrast nicely with the richness of this dish. If you want to turn it into a sophisticated appetizer, you can add a yogurt sauce with garlic and dill!

Useful tips:
- Lamb offal is an excellent source of protein and iron, but make sure to choose them carefully, looking for fresh ones.
- Caul can sometimes be harder to find. If you can't find it, you can use parchment paper, but the taste will be different.
- You can vary the recipe by adding other herbs, such as basil or thyme, to customize the flavor of the haggis.
- Lamb haggis can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, and its taste becomes even better the next day when the flavors have time to develop.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat instead of lamb?
Yes, you can replace lamb meat with pork or beef, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I make the haggis less fatty?
To reduce the fat, you can use more lean meat and fewer offals.

3. Is lamb haggis suitable for vegans?
This recipe is not vegan, but you can experiment with plant-based ingredients, such as mushrooms, vegetables, and tofu for a vegan version.

Lamb haggis, with its intense flavor and rich texture, is not just a dish but a true tradition that brings family and friends together around the table. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the authentic flavors of spring!