Francesco Mazzei has Christmas all wrapped up with a Welsh Lamb festive feast

If traditional turkey has lost its appeal this year, why not try something equally as versatile, like PGI Welsh Lamb?  Reared in its natural environment, Welsh Lamb is an exceptional product and is celebrated by chefs across the world for its versatility and fresh, delicious taste.

Top London chef Francesco Mazzei has always been passionate about sourcing quality ingredients and said, “I’ve been a strong advocate for Welsh Lamb over the years. It’s an exceptional product to work with as it’s so versatile and has a lovely taste. It’s a natural product from start to finish – just as it should be. We have our farmers to thank for that.”

For a delicious Christmas lunch alternative, Francesco suggests a fruit mustard leg of Welsh Lamb with oven roasted winter veg.  The sweet and spicy fruit mustard (Mostarda di Frutta) balances beautifully with the succulent Welsh Lamb and gives a deliciously festive flavour and colour.  

For more Francesco Mazzei Welsh Lamb recipes and Welsh Lamb recipe ideas for the festive season, visit: www.eatwelshlamb.com

Francesco Mazzei’s fruit mustard leg of Welsh Lamb with oven roasted winter veg

Prep time: 15 mins |  Cook time: 1hr 25 mins | Serves: 5+

Ingredients

3kg leg of PGI Welsh Lamb, boned butterfly style
100g PGI Welsh Lamb mince (very finely minced)
60g fruit mustard (or dried apricot, raisins etc.)
20g Grana Padano cheese, grated
1 egg yolk
Salt and pepper
½ garlic clove, grated
Handful of pistachio nuts, shelled
1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
4 garlic cloves, unpeeled
30g plain flour
1l chicken stock

For the vegetables:

1 swede
1 red cabbage
1 butternut squash
1 fennel bulb
10 Brussels sprouts
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
1 yellow pepper
50ml extra virgin olive oil
20g butter

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 185˚C / 165˚C fan / Gas 4.
2. Trim any excess fat away from the inside of the leg of lamb. Make incisions in the meat to open it out a little further (and to help the flavours infuse into the meat). Set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix together the mince, egg yolk, cheese, salt, pepper, grated garlic and the pistachio nuts and set aside.
4. Season the inside of the leg of lamb with salt and pepper. Pick the leaves off one of the rosemary sprigs and scatter sparingly over the lamb.
5. Cut the fruit mustard into smaller pieces (e.g. quarter the pears, figs etc. lengthways. If using cherries, they can be left whole).
6. Spread the mince stuffing onto the inside of the leg of lamb. Arrange the pieces of fruit mustard evenly onto the stuffing. Roll the lamb up and tie with butcher’s twine.
7. Put 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into a roasting tin. Add the remaining rosemary sprigs and the garlic cloves. Place the lamb on top and bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
8. In the meantime, grill the peppers and when ready, remove the skin and the seeds. Cut into pieces. 
9. Blanch the Brussels sprouts in salted boiling water and cool down in iced water.
10. Cut the remaining vegetables into wedges, season with salt and pepper and the extra virgin olive oil. Bake for about 30-40 minutes.
11. Remove the lamb from the oven and transfer onto a plate. Leave it to rest.
12. Add the flour to the roasting tin, mix it with the juice from the lamb and add the chicken stock. Place over a medium heat and cook until it thickens. Pass through a sieve and keep hot.
13. In a pan, melt the butter and add the Brussels sprouts, adjust with salt if necessary, and stir fry for a couple of minutes.
14. Add the peppers to the roasted vegetables and leave in the oven until warm.
15. Slice the lamb and serve it next to the roasted vegetables and Brussels sprouts, and pour the warm sauce on the top.