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The 6 best sides to serve with lamb

27 Jul 2023

Fine Dining Lovers

Editorial Staff

Lamb is a delicious and versatile meat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether roasted, grilled or braised, lamb is always a hit with guests. But what are the best sides to serve with it? Here are six suggestions that will complement your lamb recipe.

Roast potatoes

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Nothing beats crispy and fluffy roasted potatoes as a side for lamb. Roast potatoes are a classic accompaniment to lamb, especially for a Sunday roast. Lamb and roast potatoes go well together because they both have a rich and hearty flavour that is satisfying and comforting. Roast potatoes balance out the richness of the meat with their starchy texture and soak up the delicious juices from the lamb.

Glazed carrots

You can't go wrong with glazed carrots when you want a simple but tasty side dish to go with your lamb. They're sweet, tender and colourful, and they complement the rich flavour of the meat. Glazed carrots' gentle sweetness balances the lamb's richness, striking a perfect harmony on the palate. As you take a tender bite of lamb, the caramelised glaze on the carrots releases its subtle sweet notes, enhancing the taste. Together, lamb and glazed carrots create a memorable culinary symphony.

Charred leeks

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The mild, sweet taste of leeks pairs well with the rich, tender meat of lamb. Charring them on a griddle pan or under a grill gives them a smoky and caramelised edge that adds depth and complexity to the dish. Charred leeks are easy to make, healthy and will elevate your lamb to a new level of deliciousness. For a novel take on the leek, check the video for sweet-charred baby leeks served with a vibrant romesco sauce made with red pepper and toasted almonds.

Baked butternut squash

Baked butternut squash is a splendid accompaniment to lamb. Its deep, sweet flavour and velvety texture create a delightful contrast against the hearty, robust taste of the lamb. The butternut squash's natural sweetness brings out the inherent flavours of the lamb, whilst its soft texture provides a pleasant contrast to the meat's firmness. Additionally, when baked, butternut squash takes on a caramelised, nutty quality that harmonises beautifully with the savoury tones of the lamb. It's a quintessential pairing that highlights the best of both ingredients.

Grilled zucchini

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Grilled zucchini makes an excellent accompaniment to lamb. The zucchini's mild, slightly sweet flavour and soft yet firm texture, when grilled, perfectly complements the robust, intense flavour of the lamb. The grilling process also enhances the zucchini, imbuing it with a subtle smokiness that pairs exquisitely with the natural richness of the lamb. This contrasting combination of flavours and textures truly highlights both lamb and zucchini, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Mushy peas

Mushy peas are a classic British dish that pairs with lamb beautifully. First, they add a nice contrast of colour and texture to the meat, making the plate more interesting. Second, they have a mild and creamy flavour that complements lamb's rich and savoury taste. The earthy, slightly sweet taste of the peas forms an appealing contrast with the robust flavour of the lamb, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. Take a look at this simple mushy peas recipe from Serious Eats.