Sheep meat is a highly appreciated food in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Turkey. It is prepared in different ways, according to the regions and traditions. Hello everyone! Today, I’m going to talk to you about my passion for sheep meat. You know, that tender and flavorful meat that pairs so well with spices and herbs. Sheep meat is a source of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. It also provides essential fatty acids like omega-3, which have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and the nervous system. Therefore, sheep meat is a delicious and nutritious dish that can add variety to your table. It is also very easy to cook and can be adapted to different tastes and occasions. Halal Meat par excellence Sheep meat is the epitome of halal meat as it adheres to Islamic slaughter rules. To be halal, the sheep must be slaughtered with a sharp knife while pronouncing the name of God and be completely bled out. Halal sheep meat is valued for its tenderness, flavor, and high protein content. It can be cooked in various ways, such as in couscous, tagines, or grilled dishes. Sheep meat is a common ingredient in Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. It lends itself to numerous preparations in Mediterranean cuisine, such as kebabs, tagines, curries, or stews in Indian cuisine, which have their own benefits. Sheep meat has a pronounced flavor and pairs well with spices, herbs, and dried fruits. Here are a few recipe ideas to cook sheep meat in the Mediterranean or Indian style. • Greek-style Sheep Kebabs: Marinate cubes of sheep meat in yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and salt. Thread them onto skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper, onion, and tomato. Grill them on a barbecue or in the oven and serve with tzatziki and pita bread. • Sheep Tagine with Prunes: Sear pieces of sheep meat in a casserole dish with olive oil, sliced onions, ginger, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, and salt. Add enough water to cover and simmer covered for an hour. Add pitted prunes and continue cooking for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and chopped coriander before serving. Indian cuisine is not far behind When it comes to sheep meat, Indian cuisine has its fair share. It offers flavorful and spicy dishes such as rogan josh, biryani, and the famous lamb curry that follows. But beware, if you’re not used to chili, you might end up with a burning mouth and teary eyes. Fortunately, there’s always rice and naan bread to cool things down. Indian-style Sheep Curry: Brown pieces of sheep meat in a pan with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Set them aside. In the same pan, sauté chopped onions, crushed garlic, grated ginger, minced green chili, curry powder, garam masala, and salt. Add crushed tomatoes and a little water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the sheep meat. Cover and simmer for an hour or until the meat is tender. Add fresh cream and chopped coriander before serving with basmati rice or naan bread. Northern Mediterranean cuisine Mutton lends itself to many recipes, from stews and kebabs to tajines and couscous. Personally, I love to prepare it as a leg of lamb in the oven, with potatoes, thyme and garlic. It’s a convivial, generous dish that warms the heart and the taste buds. Here’s my secret recipe: – Preheat oven to 180°C. – Make slits in the leg of lamb and slide in peeled garlic cloves. – Brush the leg with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme. – Place the leg in a large ovenproof dish and surround it with quartered potatoes. – Sprinkle with a little water and place in the oven for 1h30 to 2h, basting regularly with the cooking juices. – When the leg is golden brown and the meat tender, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes under aluminum foil. – Serve with a green salad or yaourt sauce. And that’s it! You’ve got plenty of ideas for delicious meals to share with friends and family. Mutton really is a gourmet’s delight. I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe and will give it a try at home. Don’t hesitate to leave me your comments and suggestions. See you soon!