There are few dishes that are more comforting than a classic lamb hot pot, especially as the temperatures start to drop and shorter days are upon us. This delicious slow-cooked staple fills the kitchen with rich aromas and makes for the perfect Sunday meal. At the heart of the dish is tender lamb cooked with sweet onions and carrots. However, no lamb hot pot can truly shine without proper seasoning.
What will really elevate the hot pot is the clever addition of thyme and rosemary, according to The Hairy Bikers’ lean lamb hot pot recipe. Thyme adds an earthy warmth, while rosemary brings a piney, aromatic note that goes perfectly with the richness of the lamb.
Start by trimming any visible fat off the lamb and cutting the meat into chunks and make sure to add salt and pepper.
Next, brown the lamb in two batches before adding the carrots and onions with a sprinkle of flour to thicken the sauce, along with the lamb stock, thyme leaves, rosemary and Worcestershire sauce and then let the magic of slow cooking do the rest.
When it’s time to top the hot pot, layer it with thinly sliced potatoes and add ground pepper. Let the hotpot bake for one hour and then remove the lid for the last 45 minutes so that the potatoes become browned and slightly crispy on top.
Not only do the two herbs add flavour, they also have several benefits, especially as we enter peak cold and flu season.
Thyme has several health benefits including aiding digestion thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Just a sprinkle can also help boost your immune system thanks to it being rich in crucial vitamins such as A, B and C.
Rosemary, on the other hand is also rich in antioxidants, iron, and vitamins A, C and B6.
The hot pot or Lancashire hotpot is a traditional British dish with origins in rural England, dating back to the 19th century.
It was developed as a practical, economical meal that used affordable cuts of lamb, slowly cooked with root vegetables and topped with sliced potatoes.
The slow-cooking method helped tenderise tougher meat, and the layered potatoes provided a hearty and filling crust.
