Oven-roasted goat legs

Oven-Baked Goat Thighs

In ancient times, festive tables were often lavishly adorned with meat dishes, and oven-baked goat thighs were among the most cherished delicacies. This simple yet flavorful recipe embodies the tradition of gathering family around the table, an opportunity to savor a delicious dish that combines the natural flavors of the meat with carefully chosen spices. Even if you've never cooked goat before, I assure you that the result will please everyone. Let's see how we can prepare this delicacy together!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 1-2 hours
Baking time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Total: 2-3 hours
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 goat thigh and 1 front leg
- 3 green onions
- 4 green garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 bay leaves
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped carrot
- 600 ml red wine
- 1 cup vinegar

Preparing the goat thighs:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by singeing the goat thighs over the gas flame. This step is not just to remove hair but also to achieve more tender meat. Once done, wash the meat well under cold running water.

2. Marinating: In a large bowl, combine the vinegar with 2-3 liters of water. Add the meat and let it soak in this mixture for 1-2 hours. This step is essential as it helps break down the fibers and allows the flavors to penetrate.

3. Preparing the aromatic bath: In a pot, mix the wine, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, finely chopped carrot, paprika, broken bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced green onions and garlic, and mix well.

4. Marinating the meat: Place the meat in the spice mixture, cover the pot, and refrigerate until the next day. It’s good to turn the meat occasionally for even marination.

5. Baking: The next day, preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the meat from the marinade and place it in a baking tray. Pour some of the marinade over the meat, but not all of it. Clean the remaining garlic, slice it, and add it to the tray. Drizzle olive oil over the meat for extra shine.

6. Covering and baking: Cover the tray with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour and a half. The aroma that will fill the kitchen is simply irresistible! Check occasionally if the meat is tender using a fork.

7. Finishing: When the meat is well cooked, remove the aluminum foil and leave it in the oven for another 15 minutes to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Finally, cover the meat with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving: Goat thighs can be served alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. A glass of red wine will perfectly complement this meal.

Useful tips:
- Ensure that the meat is of high quality to achieve a tender and tasty dish.
- You can add vegetables like potatoes or carrots to the tray to take advantage of their flavors.
- If you prefer a spicy version, add a pinch of chili powder to the marinade.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I substitute the red wine? Yes, you can use white wine or water with spices, but the taste will be different.
- How can I tell if the meat is cooked? Check if the juice running from the meat is clear, with no traces of blood.
- Can this recipe be made in a pressure cooker? Yes, the cooking time will be significantly reduced, but it's important to adjust the liquid quantities.

Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of oven-baked goat thighs contains approximately 350-400 calories. Goat meat is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, zinc, and iron, making it a healthy choice for festive meals.

I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. May your holidays be filled with light, health, and joy alongside your dear ones! Enjoy your meal!